Hawthorn primed for a shot at securing Jaeger O’Meara from Gold Coast
HAWTHORN is in prime position to secure Gold Coast Suns star Jaeger O’Meara to help take over from its ageing batch of champion midfielders.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
HAWTHORN is in prime position to secure Gold Coast Suns star Jaeger O’Meara to help take over from its ageing batch of champion midfielders.
The Herald Sun understands Alastair Clarkson’s men are eyeing the silky ball mover, who is out of contract at season’s end and considering a move to Victoria.
Industry sources said O’Meara would be worth upwards of $750,000 a year, despite a debilitating patella problem that has sidelined the 2013 Rising Star winner since last pre-season.
O’Meara, 22, is still listed as out indefinitely and has put off contract talks until he makes a successful comeback.
The Hawks would have the salary-cap room to accommodate the brilliant playmaker as they set about replacing four-time premiership heroes Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell and Shaun Burgoyne.
Former list chief Chris Pelchen, who helped steer the Hawks and Port Adelaide to premierships, said O’Meara would be a perfect fit at Waverley.
“Yes I do (think Hawthorn will chase O’Meara), on two levels,” Pelchen said.
“One is his undoubted talents ... but also the timing is right for Hawthorn because they will be losing key midfielders like Hodge and Mitchell in the next couple of years, and Jordan Lewis possibly in the next three to four years.
“O’Meara will be coming into the prime of his football career in the same time.
“Jaeger is a natural leader, and the three guys I just mentioned are the strongest leaders at Hawthorn. Jaeger is a natural fit to be a captain of a club in the future.”
Pelchen said O’Meara would be a top-three target for clubs in this year’s exchange period and was certain Hawthorn could meet his salary demands.
But the brown and gold would have to satisfy the Suns with a commensurate trade, potentially including two early draft picks, which Collingwood handed over for Adam Treloar last year.
“They could manoeuvre it (salary cap), because you look at the players who have retired in the past one or two years,” Pelchen said.
“They could make a very attractive back-ended deal.”
Hawthorn premiership defender Campbell Brown, who played with O’Meara at Gold Coast, said he was an immense talent.
“There was a stage when clubs weren’t tagging Gary Ablett, because he was untaggable, so they were going on to a 19-year-old Jaeger O’Meara in only his second season, such was his ability in tight,” he said.
“He would be a huge signature if Gold Coast can get him across the line, but I don’t think it’s that clear-cut. I think he’s going to be genuinely looking around.”
Another star Gold Coast midfielder, Dion Prestia, has delayed talks on a new contract as Melbourne and Richmond pursue him.
The Hawks, who have been masters at the trade table in recent years, will this season shoot for a history-making fourth straight premiership.
Pelchen said O’Meara would likely strongly consider his off-field prospects and chances of tasting on-field success in his next deal.
“He is a very intelligent young guy, and would be looking for a career move,” he said.
jay.clark@news.com.au
Originally published as Hawthorn primed for a shot at securing Jaeger O’Meara from Gold Coast
Hall’s long-distance Gallen plan
Barry Hall has revealed how he plans to beat his shorter but more experienced opponent in their much-anticipated bout.
Hall gets kick from little masters
Andrew Moloney is the hot favourite to become Australia’s only current world boxing champion when he battles Brooklyn’s Elton Dharry on the same night that his mate Barry Hall fights Paul Gallen.