North Melbourne enter the race to secure Demons’ hardnut Angus Brayshaw
ANGUS Brayshaw has enjoyed a brilliant breakout year, becoming a key component in Melbourne’s premiership push this season but the race to secure his signature has just been blown wide open.
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NORTH Melbourne has entered the race for Melbourne hardnut Angus Brayshaw.
The Demons’ No.3 draft pick has enjoyed a brilliant breakout year, becoming a key component in Melbourne’s premiership push this season.
But the tough ball winner remains out of contract and is attracting keen interest from rival clubs, including West Coast and the Kangaroos.
North Melbourne has missed out on a string of key targets, including Collingwood midfielder Jordan de Goey, but the Roos have been watching Brayshaw closely this season and could make a big play at the end of the year if he continues to stall on a new deal with Melbourne.
The Demons are growing increasingly pessimistic that West Coast wingman Andrew Gaff will leave the high-flying Eagles at the end of the year.
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It means Melbourne should have enough money to accomodate Brayshaw on a deal around $550,000 per year.
But North Melbourne has the scope to blow the Demons out of the water and offer Brayshaw a long-term deal in the vicinity of $700,000 per year.
Brayshaw has excelled alongside Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn this year and would be a valuable addition to North Melbourne’s engine room, which swung captain Jack Ziebell forward this year.
The Kangaroos are desperate to beef up their midfield to help a continuous rise up the ladder next season.
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Aside from Gaff, Brayshaw is looming as the top midfield target from rival clubs, such as St Kilda, Carlton and the Roos.
West Coast could only make a play for Brayshaw if Gaff, a native Victorian, leaves. But clubs are almost certain Gaff will stay in the West.
North Melbourne was also linked to a move this week on Port Adelaide speedster Jared Polec.
Melbourne remains confident Brayshaw will re-sign at the club after a new deal for tough backman Neville Jetta yesterday.
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Originally published as North Melbourne enter the race to secure Demons’ hardnut Angus Brayshaw