McKay’s front-ended deal will allow the Bombers to be active in the free agency market going forward.

According to afl.com.au, the key defender will earn between $1.4 and $1.5 million in 2024.

Lance Franklin was paid around $1.5 million in the eighth year of his monster contract with the Sydney Swans, while 12 players were paid a salary of $1 million or more in 2022.

Geelong’s Jeremy Cameron, Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli and Melbourne pair Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca were in that range as well, along with GWS trio Toby Greene, Stephen Coniglio and Josh Kelly.

McKay’s six-year deal runs through to the end of 2029, with a trigger for a seventh season.

We probably use our f1 (2024 R1) to secure an out of contract or "pre-agent" because we have some salary room and also to clear that pick away from f/s bidding.

Agree Surrey. I like Bonner too.

But it's clear they are looking at guys who can play forward (Fantasia) or mid-forward (Hollands) as our most pressing need. And I kind of agree with that. We have plenty of wingers and HBFs.

I would have taken Toby McLean as a backup midfielder instead of Fantasia.

I would have taken Toby McLean as a backup midfielder instead of Fantasia.

I don't knoiw if he has more upside being 28yo and perennially injured, but I trust Russell has had a good look and Ozario will be great for us for at least a year, if not two.

I like the message the acquisition sends to the current group of small forwards, and to the spectators who don't like our small forwards criticised, despuite their obvious shortfalls.

I was critical of Fisher during the year before he was dropped, and some of his fans refused to see his weaknesses, in particular strength.

I still have a problem with speed (or lack of) necessary for a small forward to have to get out of situations and apply their x factor.

of the 3 small forwards left following the trade of Fisher, I think Durdin is the quickest and speed is still an issue for Motlop and Owies. I know the strengths they bring to the table, namely tackling, and a goal here and there, but when they try and take on the tackler, they don't have the wheels to speed away (but they think they have).

Bryce Gibbs said today on SEN



I agree with Bryce but can't see where the pace will come with Motlop and Owies if they are to be elusive and dangerous small forwards in Finals.

Carlton​
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Arrivals: Orazio Fantasia (delisted free agency – Port Adelaide), Elijah Hollands (traded – Gold Coast)
Departures: Ed Curnow (retired), Paddy Dow (traded – St Kilda), Zac Fisher (traded – North Melbourne), Josh Honey (delisted), Lochie O’Brien (delisted), Sam Philp (delisted), Lachie Plowman (retired)
Contracted: 40 (including one category B rookie)
Draft picks: 22, 28, 70, 78, 96
The Blues will place ex-Power and Bombers recruit Fantasia on their main list, as well as promoting Matt Cottrell from the rookie list. They will use only their first two picks at the national draft, which will take them to the minimum of 36 players on the primary list.

In the Age today there's mention that Matty Cottrell will be upgraded to the main list, leaving a rookie or SSP selection after the 2 draft picks. Interesting.

Is Cottrell in addition to Cincotta or did they possibly say Cottrell in error?

The biggest concern with our list is we are now ranked #6 for age of list yet we are ranked #13 for experience (7 spots - differential, next club is Tigers 3 spots).
Western Bulldogs are ranked #6th in experience at 86.2 games and we are 71.8 games (appx 15 games per player).
Basically this says we have too many injury prone players on the list.
While I like the idea of Hollands and Fantasia on our list, it also comes with risk and expectation that the other injury prone players can be bandaged together enough for finals again.