
Image credits: AFL Photos
The Australian Football League (AFL) has witnessed a significant development, with young superstar Finn Callaghan rejecting a record-breaking contract offer from St Kilda. The proposed deal, worth over $17 million and spanning at least 10 years, would have made Callaghan the highest-paid footballer in the league. However, the 21-year-old has chosen to pledge his long-term commitment to the GWS Giants, signing a four-year extension with the club.
According to reports, Callaghan's new deal with the Giants will be worth around $1 million per season, taking his total commitment to the end of the 2029 season. This decision is a significant boost to the Giants, who have been keen to retain the talented midfielder. Callaghan's manager, Tom Seccull, was in Sydney negotiating with GWS list boss Jason McCartney, and the deal is expected to be finalized soon. The AFL community is abuzz with the news, as Callaghan's decision has significant implications for the league's salary cap and player movement.
St Kilda, on the other hand, will have to regroup and reassess their recruitment strategy. The club had been aggressively pursuing top talent, including Callaghan, Zach Merrett, and Andrew Brayshaw. While they may have missed out on Callaghan, they are still in the running for other notable players. The Saints are also facing challenges in retaining their own young stars, with Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera tipped to receive long-term offers of up to 10 years from rival clubs. The salary cap will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of these negotiations, as clubs navigate the complex web of player contracts and recruitment strategies.
The list of players being targeted by St Kilda includes:
- Andrew Brayshaw
- Tom De Koning
- Luke Davies-Uniacke
- Zach Merrett
In related news, the AFL has announced the schedule for the upcoming season, with the following matches scheduled:
- Round 1: GWS Giants vs. St Kilda
- Round 2: Essendon vs. Carlton
- Round 3: Richmond vs. Hawthorn
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