On one hand, it sucks to be losing a premiership player who was much loved, as well as in an important age bracket that we lack.
On the other hand, his form has been poor barring a few games for 2 years. He has obviously been a bit hampered by injury during that time, but it doesn't completely excuse his unacceptable use of the footy during that time.
Start of the year I was completely happy for him to go. Towards the end of the year, I didn't want him to. I still don't want him to. But I am 100% behind the decision to not bow to further years or money in his contract. If he wants to leave because of that, can't do much about it. There is loyalty to the player, but there is also loyalty to the club. You've seen it with the Hawks, you've seen it with the Cats, and now you've seen it with the Tigers who are about to sign ******* Tom Lynch. Premiership players accepting a little bit less to keep a group together. If he thinks he can keep a good standard of footy going for 3 years, which he obviously does, he'd earn another contract at the end of it anyway. Of course, he needs to look after himself first. So if the security of an extra year and more money trumps staying at the club, so be it.
It'll be horrible seeing him in a Cats guernsey next season and beyond, but I personally can't help but feel a little bitter at Luke himself for bailing over the size of the contract. I think the extra year rather than the money is the sticking point, because I can't see us offering him a huge amount less than 500. I'd be comfortable giving him anything from 400-450.