An emerging Cat is poised to sign a million-dollar deal this year as his Geelong contract nears its expiration, while Sydney’s Brownlow Medal favourite is reportedly already being chased by a pair of rival interstate clubs.
Elsewhere, Bulldogs and Roos forwards are in high demand this year.
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‘NOISE’ AROUND CAT’S FUTURE GROWING LOUDER
Geelong jack-of-all-trades Max Holmes is expected to secure a new contract worth up to one million dollars per season.
Holmes’ current deal ceases at the end of the 2024 campaign, with rivals sure to circle the Sandringham product.
According to Nine reporter Tom Morris, the speculation surrounding Holmes’ future at Kardinia Park is becoming increasingly intense, with the Cats putting a deal on the table for the 21-year-old.
“The noise around Max Holmes, well it’s only getting louder by the day,” Morris told Nine on Wednesday night.
“Now, Geelong has put forward a four-year deal which takes him to free agency, though there’s still an option of two years, as well, if he wants something shorter.
“But, if Holmes explores his options, two list officials said to me today — get this — he will command as much as one million dollars per season from next year, and those deals would be for a minimum of six years. For now, talks are paused, and I doubt that will change for several months.”
Holmes figures to play an important role for Chris Scott’s side this year, whether it be through the middle, on a wing or off half-back as the Cats aim to return to the finals.
SWANS’ BROWNLOW CONTENDER ALREADY ATTRACTING INTRIGUE
Prospective Sydney Brownlow favourite Errol Gulden is reportedly receiving interest from a pair of clubs as his deal nears its conclusion.
Understandably, the prolific midfielder is in high demand as the Swans prepare an agreement for their burgeoning star.
AFL Media’s Cal Twomey revealed the two clubs already flagging their interest in the off-contract Sydney onballer.
“Sydney has plenty of contract priorities this year, with Errol Gulden top of the list. Early talks have begun on his contract, while other clubs have expressed their interest in the Swans star, including Fremantle and Adelaide,” said Twomey, via X.
Gulden finished equal-fourth in last year’s Brownlow count after staging a breakout campaign in John Longmire’s side.
FIVE CLUBS ALREADY PURSUING STAR BULLDOG
Another young star expected to receive a “lucrative” new deal is Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, who has reportedly attracted interest from as many as five clubs to this early point in the year.
On Wednesday, Twomey declared the Tigers were the latest side to throw their hat in the ring for the emerging 21-year-old.
“Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is the hot contract discussion within clubs and Richmond is among those in the hunt,” Twomey reported via X.
Morris corroborated the Richmond revelation and surfaced the four other clubs interested in the rising goalkicker.
“(Ugle-Hagan) will have a big (deal) in front of him. The Dogs still believe he’ll stay, but this won’t stop Collingwood, Essendon, Richmond, Hawthorn and Sydney, just to name a few clubs, having a crack of 10-plus years. I’ll say that again — 10-plus years,” Morris said.
“Remember, the Swans offered Aaron Naughton more than 11 million dollars over 10 years. Naughton and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan are very close.”
Naughton received a mega eight-year deal last year, while ruck Tim English is also out of contract this year and remains one of the Dogs’ priorities.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENT ROO IN DEMAND
Impending North Melbourne free agent Cam Zurhaar is said to be attracting intrigue from the Swans, as he weighs up whether or not to recommit at Arden Street this year.
Morris believes the forward’s call will rest on the Kangaroos’ output this season.
“Now, speaking of Sydney, their interest in Cam Zurhaar is real, and his decision, quite simply, rests on how North performs this year,” said Morris.
“If they struggle, I think he’ll leave as a free agent. If they go well, he’s more likely to stay.”
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