By Jim Morton
October 17th 2009 @ 12:58am
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Bradshaw rejects Lions’ contract offer
Brisbane’s stunning trade week acquisition of Brendan Fevola has finally cost them popular full-forward Daniel Bradshaw.
Bradshaw has advised Lions officials he will not return to the Gabba in 2010 after rejecting a two-year deal on Friday.
The 30-year-old was originally shocked to be put up with midfielder Michael Rischitelli as trade bait for Fevola last week before rejecting a lucrative contract with the Blues.
Although Brisbane eventually snared Fevola by trading Lachlan Henderson and draft picks in what appeared an excellent result, Bradshaw’s departure tarnishes the deal.
Carlton are the favourites to lure him south while Sydney loom as another attractive option for the dual premiership player.
Bradshaw’s Perth-based agent Colin Young confirmed he would now test his value in the market place.
“He’s rejected a contract from the Brisbane Lions to have a look at what’s around,” Young said.
“He’s advised (Brisbane) he wouldn’t accept any offer from the club and he was going to have a week off and look at the market place.”
Bradshaw kicked a club record 496 goals in 222 matches for the Lions but was no certainty to line up in attack alongside Fevola and skipper Jonathan Brown in 2010.
The 192cm power forward, who could also have played at centre half-back, received a strong offer from Brisbane but was not pleased to be hawked around by his club of 14 seasons.
Bradshaw, who has four children, had been set to play out his career on the veterans list for the Lions before being put up for trade.
“The (Brisbane) offer was fine,” Young said.
“It was more the system that is evolving around trade week, not so much what was going on with it.
“He didn’t know until the Wednesday, so if you were 30 years of age and had four children how would you feel?
“He received quite a good offer from the Carlton Football Club which he rejected so we obviously know what the market place is valued at for Daniel.
“Now he’s made that decision he’s going to make up his mind what he wants to do.”
Bradshaw is reportedly in Carlton’s plans for the national draft and the Blues have substantial room in their salary cap following the departure of Fevola and star midfielder Nick Stevens.
Stevens risks permanent spinal damage if he plays on and while he’s signed through to the end of 2010, indications are Carlton can pay out his contract this year.
Sydney have an earlier pick in the national draft and are looking for a big-bodied spearhead after the loss of Barry Hall.
Port Adelaide and North Melbourne are other clubs that may be interested in digging deep for Bradshaw.
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Redb said | October 18th 2009 @ 9:56pm | Report comment
Sydney or the Blues? Both are in need of a good key forward and Bradshaw certainly fits the bill. Prefer to see him go to Sydney for the good of the game.
Redb