Brisbane Lions will win either way from Tom Rockliff contract talks

NO matter what Tom Rockliff decides to do next year, Brisbane is in a win-win situation, but the Lions believe they are ­moving closer to securing the veteran.

Brisbane is confident Tom Rockliff will stay. Picture: AAP

BRISBANE believes it is ­moving closer to securing Tom Rockliff despite the lure of a top-20 draft pick if he leaves as a free agent.

Rockliff has persistently been linked to Adelaide-based clubs and said recently he would make a decision on his future based on what was best for his family.

The 27-year-old has been lauded for his new-found attitude and professionalism after being given some tough love by coach Chris Fagan when he arrived late last year.

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If he moved on a deal over $500,000 a year, the Lions would likely secure a second-round compensation pick — pick 18 on current ladder ­position.

But Rockliff’s management and the club continue to talk regularly — most recently this week — and are in early discussions about what a new deal would look like.

Brisbane list manager Dom Ambrogio said the Lions were encouraged by their early talks.

“We aren’t there yet but we are having productive talks,” he told the Herald Sun.

The Lions are keen to go back to the draft this year and recruit elite talent rather than top up with middle-tier players as in recent seasons.

The Lions says talk between them and Tom Rockliff are positive. Picture: Getty Images

The Benalla-raised Rockliff has battled on despite a dislocated shoulder and had at least five clearances in 12 of his 17 games this year.

The Lions are in an ideal position because if he does leave it will be for a deal ­lucrative enough to secure ­another high pick.

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They are likely to apply for a priority pick in coming weeks but have four victories and winnable home games against Gold Coast and North Melbourne.

If they managed to win two of them they would likely play themselves out of contention but Fagan is adamant he wants to build a winning culture.

Rockliff would need to be offered a deal of around $1 million a season for Brisbane to secure a first-round compensation pick.

Only a player paid in the top 5 per cent of players over 25 qualifies for a first-round compensation pick for the club they departed.

GEELONG have offered ­Daniel Menzel a new deal and are hopeful he will sign it in coming weeks.

Cats chief executive Brian Cook said over the weekend Geelong had also offered Jed Bews and Jake Kolodjashnij new deals and were confident they would accept them.

But he confirmed talks on Steven Motlop’s deal were being delayed, telling K Rock: “Our position is to wait until the end of the year with Steve.”

COLLINGWOOD’S decision to retain Josh Thomas despite his two-year drug ban will ­likely result in a contract ­extension.

Thomas was retained on the rookie list last year but has put together six excellent weeks as a hard goalkicking onballer. It is believed the Pies are open to an extension for the 25-year-old.

They are about to secure ruckman Brodie Grundy on a three-year deal and are keen to retain American Mason Cox.

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Tom Rockliff (Brisbane)

Has put himself in a strong position given a solid year playing with pain of dislocated shoulder. He is in early talks with the club on a new deal.

Levi Casboult (Carlton)

To put it bluntly, likely to be available to the highest bidder. Best mark in the comp and easily adjusts to time in the ruck. Would want $600,000 or more.

Steven Motlop (Geelong)

The Cats haven’t offered him a deal and won’t until the end of the year. Port sniffing around, needs to close out the year well to pump up value.

Jake Spencer (Melbourne)

Footy analyst David King says the Melbourne backup ruckman is the steal of the free agency pool. Only played two games before succumbing to a shoulder injury when he had the opportunity to push his case for a bigger role.

Jasper Pittard (Port Adelaide)

Port Adelaide is eager to contract him and says he wants to stay but until he is signed clubs like Essendon will be linked to the quick left-footer.

David Zaharakis (Essendon)

The Bombers have offered him a new deal and given his past two months of footy has been exceptional he deserves it. Set to stay but has increased his leverage with excellent footy.

Jackson Trengove (Port Adelaide)

The Power believe they will sign the handy utility in coming weeks but the swingman can play both ends and take a turn in the ruck.

Daniel Menzel (Geelong)

Has finally been offered a contract by the Cats and is a goalkicking star working on his tackling. Would seem unlikely to move after Cats showed patience with 4 knee recos.

Andy Otten (Adelaide)

Has played 17 mostly excellent games as an unlikely forward target (19 goals) and utility after persistent knee issues.

Ryan Schoenmakers (Hawthorn)

Hasn’t yet been offered a contract but after breaking back into the Hawthorn team has a knack of kicking handy goals — he has seven goals in his past four games.