The Crows have zero leverage. As I was saying to a friend a few days ago, the way they have handled this whole situation has been shambolic. It was barely a week ago that the same Crows people were jizzing in their pants every time Dangerfield got near the footy against Hawthorn at the G. I think if we were to try and compare any similar scenario, it would be along the lines of if Robbie Gray chose to pack up and leave for Victoria because he needed to get back to his family (for whatever reason). If we make this an equal hypothetical and make Gray a restricted free agent, I would hope that the Port management would come out with something along these lines:
Robbie Gray has today informed us of his decision to continue his football career in Victoria next season. We thank Robbie for his immense contributions to the Club over the past 9 seasons since being drafted by the Club in 2006, and wish him well into the future. The Club will now evaluate its options to ensure it receives the best possible compensation. Until any transaction has been completed, the Club will not provide any further comment on the matter.
Instead, we've got Fagan blowing up a storm saying the club is going to trade with any Victorian club (even though Dangerfield can deny any trade), then we've got Ricciuto barking BS all over the radio, be it that Wingard Hawthorn bullshit, or pouring fuel on the Hartlett non-rumour. And let's not forget the Crows best ally, the Crowvertiser, who have smashed Dangerfield this week for exercising his right to leave as a FREE AGENT.
All I can say is "Thank **** I don't support the mob at West Lakes."