A Victorian club keen to lure Andrew Gaff home will be need to show where it sits in the "premiership window" if it is to poach the West Coast Eagles' midfielder.
Gaff, a restricted free agent at the end of the season, is weighing up whether to remain with the club that drafted him with the fourth pick of the 2010 national draft, or whether to accept the lucrative advances set to come his way.
West Coast's Andrew Gaff picked up 24 touches against Richmond on Sunday, continuing his fine run of form.
Photo: AAP
The hard-running midfielder has been in superb touch this season, and was one of the Eagles' best with 24 disposals and a goal against Richmond on Sunday.
Melbourne, Carlton, North Melbourne and St Kilda are among clubs that have been linked to Gaff, but player agent sources suggest they would need to offer at least $800,000 a year to get him.
The Demons, without a flag since 1964, would appear to be the closest of those to a premiership, and they have a young list that could contend for the next five years. The Kangaroos, who made it clear they have salary-cap room, have rebuilt quicker than expected and Gaff would be a coveted signing for a team already boasting a potent forward line.
Advertisement
The Blues and Saints, the latter having chased Gaff two years ago when he was off contract, would appear to be years away from challenging, but the Saints also have salary-cap room. Essendon is another potential new home, for the Bombers need a hard-bodied midfielder.
Gaff, who had an equal game-high of 34 touches in the Eagles' 2015 losing grand final, said on Monday that his dream of a premiership would be a consideration when determining his future.
"Yeah, definitely, I think all guys play to win premierships, but we know how hard they are to win. Only one team finishes the year happy out of all 18, so no doubt it's going to play a big decision in my mind," he said.
Gaff, who finished sixth in the best-and-fairest count last year, and his management have put talks on hold until after the mid-season break. The Eagles, tipped to undergo a mini-rebuild this year, are on top of the ladder, having won eight straight. Should they remain in the top four, the prospect of at least one home final could help to deliver Gaff the medal he craves – and encourage the former Oakleigh Charger to stay, unless an urge to be closer to his family prevails.
"It's very exciting for the footy club, but I've been pretty firm in my stance that I'll get that (contract) done later in the year. But it's just so exciting the youth and enthusiasm at the club at the moment and, obviously, the excitement around the state of WA with us playing well," Gaff said.
Eagles backman Jeremy McGovern is also out of contract this year.
Photo: AAP
"I am more focused on that and what will happen, will happen later in the year."
What is in the Eagles' favour is that they can match any offer from a rival club if they believe the 25-year-old is integral to their plans. Were they to lose him, the Eagles would receive a first-round selection as compensation – a welcome boost, for they traded out their own first-round pick to Gold Coast in last year's trade period.
The Eagles are also working to retain two other free agents: defender Jeremy McGovern and ruckman Scott Lycett.
Victory over the Tigers has shown the Eagles are a legitimate threat, but until they claim pivotal wins on the road, questions about their mental toughness remain.
They have not beaten the Hawks in Melbourne since 2006, and were beaten by 50 points at the MCG in round five last year at a time when the Hawks had dropped their first four games.
"It just gives further confidence that our best footy is good enough. Obviously, we've beaten a few teams lower on the ladder to start the year. But to beat Port Adelaide, GWS and now Richmond in three weeks just gives good belief within the group," Gaff said.
"We're a young group and a lot of guys have played less than 10 games and it gives them belief that their best footy is good enough and they're playing well enough to dominate games. You see guys like Jake Waterman and Willie Rioli really stamping their authority on the AFL at the moment, and the leaders just doing their bit as well."
Comments disabled
Jon Pierik is a sports writer with The Age, focusing primarily on AFL football, cricket and basketball. He has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.
Most Viewed in Sport
Morning & Afternoon Newsletter
Delivered Mon–Fri.
