Zac Bailey makes final call on Crows’ offer
Ahead of the blockbuster semi-final between the two sides vying for him, Bailey has picked his team for next year.
Brisbane Lions premiership hero Zac Bailey has re-signed with his team and reigning premiers, ending a long-running saga about whether he would move to Adelaide.
In an added subplot to this Saturday night’s semi-final between the Lions and the Crows at the Gabba, Bailey has turned down a monster offer from Adelaide.
The restricted free agent has penned a new eight-year deal to remain with the Lions until the end of 2034.
A two-time All-Australian, Bailey has enjoyed another outstanding season with 31 goals and averaged a career-high 21.7 disposals.
The 26-year-old’s call comes as the Lions prepare to farewell star veteran Lachie Neale, who is expected to move to Collingwood during the trade period.
Bailey’s signature comes just three days after the Lions were unexpectedly smashed by Sydney in the qualifying final at the SCG.
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Meanwhile, Rowan Marshall is demanding a trade from St Kilda, a year after Geelong tried to lure the experienced ruckman.
Marshall is contracted at the Saints until the end of next season, with the Cats and Essendon his strongest suitors.
He tried to leave for Geelong at the end of last season but hasn’t yet nominated his preferred new club.
Cats coach Chris Scott was tight-lipped on his club’s prospects of signing the 30-year-old.
“If I was (interested), I wouldn’t tell you,” Scott told reporters on Tuesday.
“It’s an unfortunate situation. I think everyone would like us all to be a bit more open, but I think it’s got to the stage now (where) the communication should be driven by the players themselves.
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“I don’t think it’s our place to sort of speak on their behalf so it’s probably a question better directed at him.”
Scott said the fact Marshall remained contracted at the Saints complicated matters.
Marshall played 21 games this season for the Saints, who opted for ex-Carlton recruit Tom de Koning as the club’s first-choice ruck.
St Kilda said they would consider their options ahead of the trade period which opens on October 5.
“Marshall has not nominated a preferred destination at this stage, with the club making clear that any trade will need to be in the best interests of the St Kilda Football Club,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the No.4 pick from the 2023 draft, Zane Duursma, has told North Melbourne he wants to move to Melbourne.
The Demons have long been linked to the 21-year-old, who has played 38 games for the Kangaroos in three seasons.
Duursma has resisted signing a fresh three-year contract offer from the Roos, who last week sacked veteran coach Alastair Clarkson.
The Demons are understood to have separately told former captain Jack Viney that he’s welcome to explore a trade after an injury-cruelled season.
Viney, 32, played only one game – in Melbourne’s wildcard finals loss to Carlton – after having pre-season Achilles surgery and then suffering with back and toe injuries.
Viney, a premiership player in 2021, is contracted until the end of 2028.
-with AAP
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