The Adelaide Crows are reportedly very interested in one of the AFL’s seven restricted free agents, while the South Australian club has boldly declared one of their senior players isn’t going anywhere.
Meanwhile, North Melbourne’s Ben McKay has provided an update on his contract negotiations with the Kangaroos.
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Dons star ‘in Crows’ sights | 00:43
DONS FREE AGENT ‘VERY FIRMLY’ IN ADELAIDE’S SIGHTS
The Adelaide Crows are targeting Essendon free agent Mason Redman, according to Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph.
The talented intercept defender, who is the son of a South Australian cray fisherman, could drastically strengthen the club’s backline should the 25-year-old decide to return to his home state.
“This is a club that is very keen to put itself in the shop window for prospective recruits,” Ralph told Fox Footy on Thursday evening.
“The Dons free agent in Mason Redman is very firmly in their sights … he is the exact type of intercept player that they want.
“Certainly Essendon will try hard to hold onto him.”
Adelaide chief executive Tim Silvers, who refused to discuss the club’s individual trade targets, told News Corp: “It is obvious to most people that we like to target ex-South Australian talent to see if they want to come home and be with family.
“We are in a reasonable spot with our salary cap and we will be aggressive over the next 12 months, but we will also be targeted. We know we have a couple of holes to fill.”
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MCKAY PROVIDES CONTRACT UPDATE AMID ‘BIG SHIFT’
North Melbourne free agent Ben McKay has provided an update on his contract negotiations, revealing he is willing to enter talks with the Kangaroos later this year.
Rival clubs are expected to make plays for the 25-year-old key defender, who is off-contract at the end of 2023.
Although McKay is putting off contract talks, he says he’s loving his time at the club.
“I went on record three or four weeks ago that myself, my manager and the footy club are on the same page,” McKay told SEN Mornings on Friday.
“The communications have been really, really good and there’ll be a stage at the back end of the year or maybe halfway through the year – I’m not really sure – where we sit down, sort of figure it out and have a look deeper into it.
“The main point I’d like to get across is that I’m loving my time at the club, I’ve noticed a big shift in the place.”
McKay, who was ruled out for the start of the season with a foot injury, has been named to face Brisbane at Adelaide Hills on Saturday afternoon.
ADELAIDE BOSS ‘REALLY CONFIDENT’ DEFENDER IS STAYING
Adelaide chief executive Tim Silvers has declared he is confident restricted free agent Tom Doedee will remain at the South Australian club beyond 2023.
The 26-year-old defender comes off contract at the end of the season, but Silvers is adamant the Adelaide vice-captain will extend his time at West Lakes.
“I don’t have a specific update as yet,” Silvers told SEN’s Sportsday.
“But I’m confident in that Tom will stay with our footy club.
“He’s in his eighth year and he’s been a terrific servant.
“He’s a wonderful leader, a great person and he’s been part of this build.
“I think he’s really invested in the club, and we hope to open negotiations on his contract in the coming weeks.
“Like I said, I’m really confident he’ll be a Crow next year.”
