Cale Hooker could forgo $1 million or more if he decides to stay at Essendon
IN-DEMAND defender Cale Hooker would forgo $1 million — and possibly more — if he rejects offers from rival clubs and stays at Essendon.
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CALE Hooker would forgo $1 million — and possibly more — if he rejects offers from rival clubs and stays at Essendon.
Fremantle, Hawthorn and North Melbourne headline a group of clubs chasing the suspended Bomber.
The Dockers are believed to have tabled a five-year deal at an estimated $800,000 for Hooker, although Essendon sources believe it could be has much as $1 million a season over six seasons.
All the clubs interested in the All-Australian defender have indicated at least a five-year deal will be offered.
The Bombers, however, are prepared to only offer a four-year deal at about $750,000 per season.
The potential for performance triggers for a fifth season at Essendon has not officially been put forward to Hooker’s management, although the Bombers look sure to bring that chip to the bargaining table
It means the guaranteed money for Hooker if he signs with the Dockers, for example, is $4m.
The guaranteed money from Essendon is $3m and Hooker would have to wait until after 2020 — when he will be 32 — to learn if the Bombers would shell out an extra season.
Neither Hooker’s manager Tom Petroro Essendon officials would comment on Friday.
Hooker is training with his suspended teammates up to three times a week under the eye fitness coach David Buttifant.
He leaves for America later this month, where he will spend time with several US professional sports teams.
He is expected to make a decision on his football future when he returns.
He could walk to Fremantle or the Hawks or any club as an unrestricted free agent, meaning the Bombers won’t be in a position to match any offer. They wouldn’t anyway.
They are not prepared to table a five-year deal, remembering long-term deals, such as Mark Mercuri’s five years, which did not deliver good value.
If Hooker did leave, the Bombers would expect pick No.2 or No.3 as compensation.
The club has repeatedly said it’s confident all 12 suspended players will recommit to the Bombers, but also acknowledge they have to convince the group to stay.
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Heath Hocking has announced he will return, while Travis Colyer, ruckman Tom Bellchambers and future captain Dyson Heppell have indicated, or their managers have, their future is at the Bombers.
Last year’s skipper Jobe Watson, All-Australian defender Michael Hurley and Hooker are the three key signings yet to indicate where their future lies.
Recent TV reports that Hurley had stopped training with Buttifant, signalling an intent to look elsewhere, were incorrect.
The suspended players have met coach John Worsfold socially and are said to be enthused with Worsfold’s direction, honesty and attitude towards them.
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