Aaron Francis wants clearer picture on Essendon future as Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti’s price rises

Three Bombers are set to sign new deals this year but Aaron Francis is postponing contract talks as he seeks assurances over his future. Meanwhile Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti is poised for a big pay rise.

Essendon's Aaron Francis wants some clarity on his future. Pic: Michael Klein.

Aaron Francis will continue to postpone contract talks with the Bombers until he is reassured there is a long-term for him as a key-position player.

Francis has entrenched himself in Essendon’s backline with Michael Hurley injured, playing the past five games as a tight-checking defender.

He has stifled some of his high-flying ways to keep rival forwards in check, conceding just four goals to the likes of Ben King, Nick Larkey, Tom McCartin and Jeremy Finlayson.

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But despite three VFL games this year he has mainly played seniors, his 13 AFL games a career-high.

Essendon remains confident he sees his future at the club after last year’s aborted trade deal.

He has worked hard to keep his mental health issues in check and seems genuinely happy at the club and in Victoria.

His delay in signing a contract despite Essendon’s wish to lock him away centres more around Essendon’s clutch of key backs.

Aaron Francis has played 13 matches in 2019. Pic: AAP

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti is set for a pay rise. Pic: Mark Stewart

The Dons ideally play Hurley, Patrick Ambrose and Cale Hooker as their three tall backs, with Joe Daniher, Shaun McKernan and mostly Mitch Brown as marking talls.

It means Francis might have to ply his trade as a swingman in the future without a defined role but enough talent to ensure he plays each week.

The Dons will sign Mason Redman, Dylan Clarke and Mitch Brown on new deals this year.

The Herald Sun revealed last week a trio of Victorian clubs in Carlton, the Bulldogs and North Melbourne were chasing small forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti.

Essendon great Tim Watson told Channel 7 he believed the star small forward was a $600,000-per-season forward after he set up Cale Hooker’s matchwinner against Gold Coast.

“(Pay him) whatever he wants. He is a matchwinner. That kick was as good as any kick executed by any player in the competition this year. He put that beautifully between three defenders after taking two bounces. Cale Hooker hadn’t even turned to mark before Tippa kicked it. There is always a price, you have to pay more when other clubs are trying to entice him to their club but I think he’s probably a $600,000 player.”