Didn't realise about the text color. Edited to fix the above (my bad).
I completely agree that players wouldn't normally command that much prior to debut (although a hell of lot of early picks are now getting extended prior to playing to prevent scenarios like this).
However, every team has to pay 'overs' to incentivise a player to move. Teams will almost always retain talent on less money than they can get on the open market. So yes, the offer is higher than expected. But for us it is hardly irresponsible money (considering we have been frontloading contracts for years just to hit the minimum, and can pay 105% of the cap for next few years). I am sure any contract like that would also have numerous triggers safeguarding it. $1.7 would be the top end sure, but the floor could be as low as half that if he never plays. But hey, sensible news like that doesn't get headlines!
Like you I doubt he moves (assuming you have the space to contract him on something close to average AFL wage). But by putting this figure together we have tried to make sure that if he does move, we are his clear alternative destination. If he is as good as reported, this would be us trying to head off any other potential interest by offering our biggest asset (salary cap space) straight out of the gate. Better than waiting until October to ask the question.
From our point of view we are likely just shaking multiple trees and seeing what falls out. Its what we bought in Gubby Allen to do. We are probably doing exactly the same thing with B.King, J. Caldwell and other young non-established talent behind the scenes. Only difference here is someone went public about it
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