A Collingwood Norm Smith medallist looks to have forced the hands of Collingwood in the way of a significant pay rise.
Meanwhile, a Bulldogs superstar has got “the blinkers on” until the end of the season before talking contracts.
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HILL SET FOR RAISE AFTER RED-HOT FORM
After booting five goals and stamping himself as quite possibly this year’s Mark of the Year winner, Collingwood’s Bobby Hill is set for a contract extension on his deal that expires at the end of next year – and at a much better price.
Speaking on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle, Herald Sun journalist Jay Clark, Jon Ralph and Scotty Gullan expanded on what could be next for Hill.
“There was some confusion over how long Bobby Hill was actually contracted for – we can tell you it is four years at Collingwood, but there’s an incredible twist to his contract situation,” Clark begun by saying.
“He’s on peanuts – he’s on 450 grand per year for four years – he is one of the biggest cut-price superstars in the game at the moment.
“You would have to say he’s one of the best small forwards in the competition, but $450K a year is such above the average really in the AFL … if Tyson Stengle is worth $800K, then Bobby Hill I believe is a better player.”
Currently averaging 1.43 goals and over 10 disposals a match this year, the 24-year-old has been impressive with ball in hand under coach Craig McRae.
Subsequently, Gullen emphasised that the club needs to wrap their arms around him.
“You need to cuddle him here, he was best player in the premiership win, he’s taken mark of the year a couple of times; possibly last week – he needs more than bargain basement,” Gullan added.
Ralph then provided further context as to why talks may be put on hold for a brief period of time, before giving his own opinion on what Collingwood should do.
“I think they’re open to extending him … he’s in between managers right now – there was some rumours (on Wednesday) about him potentially heading home to Perth; I can tell you from people very close to him that he was very upset by that,” Ralph said.
“The only thing I would say – he’s exceptional – (but) he averages 1.4 goals a game in the last two years, before that he averaged 0.8. … he can be hot or cold.
“I’m not saying it’s (his position) is easy… I’m extending (his contract), but I’m not extending at any price.”
Discussion comes after SEN WA journalist Peter Vlahos reported earlier this week that Hill would entertain a move back to West Australia; a line that certainly raised the eyebrows of many.
Collingwood have the bye this weekend, before travelling up to Gold Coast for their Round 16 clash.
Bont won’t sign until end of the season | 02:42
“BLINKERS” BONT NOT READY TO TALK JUST YET
Among all the intrigue surrounding soon-to-be-out-of-contract Bulldogs, club captain Marcus Bontempelli is one player who isn’t willing to discuss his future for at least a few months.
The 29-year-old, who runs out of contract at the end of 2025, is all in on another premiership tilt to the club he has been loyal to for nearly 11 years.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean he wants to extend his time at the club as soon as possible.
“The blinkers are on, Bont’s got the blinkers on,” Scotty Gullan said on Wednesday night’s Midweek Tackle.
“Mid-season’s generally the time where managers and clubs come together – the Bont’s out of contract at the end of next year, as we know.
“The Bont is a ‘I play football, don’t talk about anything else’; the Dogs actually made a call to his manager just to check in, given he’s just put on another three-Brownlow vote performance.
“He’s not going to leave, obviously.”
Co-panellist Jay Clark then asked: “He’s still a million-dollar-a-year player isn’t he, Marcus Bontempelli?”
“He knows he wants premierships, he understands the Geelong method, the Collingwood method – he wants to lead the way there,” Gullan replied.