Melbourne premiership star Angus Brayshaw has resisted the lure of free agency, signing a massive six-year deal to remain at the Demons.
Brayshaw, 26, had been heavily linked to a number of rival clubs, including brother Andrew’s Fremantle, but will now remain in red and blue until at least 2032.
It’s a significant coup for the Demons, who can now turn attention to re-signing young star Luke Jackson amid significant interest from Western Australian clubs the Dockers and West Coast.
“Angus is a leader of our club and to have him commit long term is a brilliant result,” Melbourne list manager Tim Lamb said in a statement on Thursday morning.
“His talent is obvious to all and his willingness to put the team first and play whatever role we need him to is a testament to his character.
“This signing is another great endorsement for the culture we have created and we know Angus will continue to drive standards within the group.”
Brayshaw’s move from an inside midfielder to a defensive wingman made him an unsung but crucial contributor to the Demons’ drought-breaking flag last year.
Then switched to half-back this year, the versatile star has again excelled, averaging 25 disposals to thrust his name firmly into the All Australian mix.
Brayshaw joins fellow 2014 draftee Christian Petracca (2029) and Clayton Oliver (2030) as other star Dees to sign long-term contracts to remain with the club.
(Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos/Getty Images)
Tiger born and bread: Baker re-commits to Richmond
Richmond dual premiership player Liam Baker has signed a two-year contract, tying him to Punt Road until the end of 2024.
Baker, who has become a crucial contributor across the ground for the Tigers since playing in the 2019 and 2020 flags, had been courted by West Coast about a return home to his native Western Australia.
“Liam has worked extremely hard since coming to the Club as a rookie selection from Western Australia and has been rewarded with individual and team success,” Tigers football general manager Blair Hartley said in a statement.
“We look forward to watching Liam continue to grow as a footballer, leader, and person across the next two years and beyond.”
Baker finished second in the Tigers’ best and fairest last season, and looks set to chalk up his 100th game for the club midway through next year.
His signing is some badly needed good news for the Tigers, with premiership hero Kane Lambert announcing his retirement earlier in the week due to an unshakeable hip problem.
‘I’ve got to be better’: Hardwick apologises for VFL outburst
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has admitted he ‘overstepped the mark’ with his sledge of Williamstown players during the Tigers’ VFL match on the weekend.
Hardwick was alleged to have called several Seagulls ‘weak f—ing pricks’ following an incident with Tigers player Rhyan Mansell.
Speaking to media on Thursday morning, Hardwick acknowledged his tirade went too far.
“I understand in my position I’ve got to be better than that,” he said.
“I’ve got to be probably judged to a higher standard, and I understand that.
“I am human… I’m going to make mistakes and there’s no doubt that I overstepped the mark.
“The reality is I’m very passionate about my players and always have been and always will be,” Hardwick said.
“But as I said, I made a mistake, and the reality is I’m going to make mistakes going forward.
“Hopefully not too many, but I’ll always defend my players, you guys know that.
“I probably didn’t need to lean over the fence and yell but that’s me… what makes me good makes me bad.”
The AFL have since launched an investigation, but it is unclear whether Hardwick will face sanction.
Sam Branigan
Roar Rookie
Yeah absolutely - my guess would be his management gave them the option of say ~$3.3m over six years or ~$2m over three years. A longer contract also gives the club a bit more flexibility in terms of structuring how much he is paid each year (though we saw how that worked out for Collingwood with Treloar...!)
Griffo 09
Roar Rookie
That's true, but you would expect that a longer contract would pay less per season than a shorter contract, which gives a greater guarantee to the player in case his form drops off in the next few years. The gamble is more on what Brayshaw will be like in 4-6 years from now.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
:laughing: :cricket: :boxing:
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
Yeah for a while there he was neck and neck with Mccartin as to who would be forced out of game first
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Oh sh.t
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
He wears a head gear for a reason
Seymorebutts
Guest
Hardwick shouldn't have to apologize. The player is lucky a complaint wasn't made with the police because the scumbag who threw the cheap shot to the back of the head 20 yards off the ball might have a case to answer. It wouldn't be the first time it's happened.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Your club must think they need some more grunt
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
We need the for JHF I don't want Dunkley, I want Rankine and JHF
Chanon
Roar Rookie
What?
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Won’t believe it till it happens but Bevo works in mysterious ways :silly: Charlie, Nort will never go back he’s a gun forward :thumbup:
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
It doesn’t make any sense but he’s the club they’ve been linked to. Maybe Bevo is planning on swinging Naughton back.
13th Man
Roar Rookie
Lobb to the Dogs makes literally zero sense. You've got Jamarra and then Sam Darcy as well as Josh Bruce and Schache on the sidelines. I'm resigned to the fact Lobb is leaving Freo but I just don't get why the Dogs would be the destination?
13th Man
Roar Rookie
I am inclined to agree, Darcy is probably a better ruckman. I don't necessarily think Jackson would be a bad signing, but paying too much for him would be. He isn't a key forward, that much is clear. I'm ok with him coming, at the right price, and that shouldn't be at the expense of someone like Griffin Logue or even Acres.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Does his concussion history worry anyone?
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
If the dogs want to fit in Lobb I think they need to trade a required player like Dunkley
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
It just reeks of Trent croad 2.0
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Dunks gf plays netball in Adelaide looks like pick15 to dogs
RT
Roar Rookie
I can think of a good 7 year contract.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
Nah. No player is worth anything more that 4 years max. It’s too risky.