Gold Coast facing contract crisis with several big names set to come out of contract

WHILE Gold Coast considers asking for AFL help, the club also has a big task keeping a host of stars and free agents in the coming year. SEE THE LIST

Peter Wright can’t get a game at the moment. Pic: Richard Gosling

GOLD Coast’s demand for AFL intervention comes ahead of a contract crisis with six free agents and 10 of its stars out of contract next year.

The entire senior core of its list remains unsigned past 2019, with David Swallow, Steven May, Sam Day, Rory Thompson, Tom Nicholls and Alex Sexton all free agents.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE OUT-OF-CONTRACT SUNS

Exciting forward Peter Wright, young midfield talents Jack Martin and Touk Miller as well as Pearce Hanley and Callum Ah Chee are also out of contract next year.

SOS: SUNS CHAIRMAN WANTS AFL HELP

ONCE WERE SUNS: WHO’S LEFT GOLD COAST?

The Suns did exceptionally well to sign up most of their players past the current season last year, with Adam Saad the only high-profile departure.

This year Tom Lynch is considering his future, with No. 5 draft pick Kade Kolodjashnij also facing a decision on his future in football given an ongoing concussion battle.

Aaron Hall has been in and out of the Gold Coast side and lacks defensive intent, while Jarrod Harbrow is expected to sign a contract extension given his strong form.

Many of the younger players are invested, one of the club’s young stars telling his player manager: “We are up for the fight”.

If the Suns can turn around their fortunes by next year it will give them much better leverage to retain all of those stars.

But the Suns will be wary about their contract position next year should their on-field struggles continue.

Many of those players have re-signed multiple times but will hit nine years of football without playing a single final.

Steven May rebuffed considerable interest from Hawthorn when he last re-signed, while David Swallow has always had West Australian suitors.

Peter Wright, in the NEAFL after a lingering early-season calf problem, would have 10 Victorian clubs chasing him if he didn’t sign early next year.

Jack Scrimshaw, contracted until 2020, is keen to stay but is seen to be frustrated by his lack of opportunities this year.

The top-10 pick suffered a concussion last week but if he can play regular football late in the year will be happy to remain on the Gold Coast.

Gold Coast chief executive Mark Evans last week put on the agenda the idea of competitive balance across the competition.

Unlike Tony Cochrane he did not ask for extra picks but clearly believes there are issues with a two-tiered system.

“I know the discussion over the last couple of days has drifted to should the competition itself do something to retain Tom (Lynch),” he told SEN Radio.

“I think that’s our job and it is Tom’s decision to make. The competition must keep an eye on competitive balance and over the years, there has been lots of mechanisms to help with that.

“My concern and watch for us as we go forward is that free agency doesn’t distort competitive balance. Not so much about Gold Coast, but the entire system.”

The Suns brought back Gold Coast local Lachie Weller for the No. 2 overall draft pick last year but he has just a single coaches vote this year, having limited impact.

Many clubs have high numbers of players out each year — Collingwood and Richmond both have had their list uncontracted entering 2018.

But Gold Coast is at higher risk because many of its players hit free agency at the same time as a start-up club.

May, Day and Thompson form their spine along with Lynch and ruckman Jarrod Witts, a revelation since he came to the club from Collingwood.

Steven May, Callum Ah Chee, Jarrod Harbrow, Sean Lemmens and Jack Martin are among those with decisions to make. Pics Adam Head

SUNSET CLAUSES

OUT OF CONTRACT IN 2018

Tom Lynch — A rare A-Grader who is expected to ask to leave as a restricted free agent

Aaron Hall — Inconsistent midfielder who has pace but frustrates coaches

Jarrod Harbrow — One of the great stories, a foundation player who will be recontracted

Jesse Lonergan — A pick 13 who has played too much NEAFL and now has a hamstring injury

Michael Barlow — Just cracked his jaw, but despite excellent NEAFL numbers is regularly overlooked

Jarryd Lyons — Strong start to the season but just been dropped to the NEAFL.

Michael Rischitelli — Heart-and-soul player. Low possessions but at 32 is well regarded

2019 FREE AGENTS

David Swallow — Has remained loyal despite injuries and interest from WA and Kangas

Rory Thompson — Was put on the trade table last year, key to structure as CHB

Sam Day — Swingman who pledged his loyalty when he re-signed in 2016

Steven May — Ignored huge Melbourne interest last time, co-captain and full back

Tom Nicholls — Witts has gone ahead of him, would want opportunities

Alex Sexton — Local boy, so likely to stay on. Played every game this year.

OUT OF CONTRACT IN 2019

Jack Martin — Should be a star of the comp but instead has huge load

Pearce Hanley — Came over from Brisbane but horror run with injuries

Peter Wright — Ignored massive Victorian interest to sign extension in 2016

Touk Miller — Future captain. Seen as a loyal Gold Coast boy

Callum Ah Chee — 2015’s No. 8 draft pick, just OK so far this year

LIVE stream every match of every round of the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Season on FOX SPORTS. Get your free 2-week trial & start watching in minutes. SIGN UP NOW >