Daniel Wells urged to remember North Melbourne’s support during injuries in contract decision
DANIEL Wells was “unbelievably well remunerated” during his lengthy injury stints and should remember that as he weighs up his future, James Brayshaw says.
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DANIEL Wells was “unbelievably well remunerated” by North Melbourne throughout his lengthy injury stints and should remember that when considering a potential move from the club, chairman James Brayshaw says.
Wells, 31, is an unrestricted free agent.
He has a two-year deal on the table from the Kangaroos but has been linked to Collingwood, with claims the Magpies’ offer is for three years.
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Brayshaw takes the fact that the two-time best and fairest winner has not agreed to North Melbourne’s deal as a sign that he is “having a look around”, but has encouraged the star to remember that the club supported him financially when he wasn’t playing.
“I know Wellsy’s had the same offer in front of him now for a long time, so I don’t know what’s holding that up – he’s obviously having a look around, otherwise he would have signed it,” Brayshaw said.
“It’d be disappointing to me (if he left).
“Firstly because I love him, and always have, but secondly, he’s been – for the last three years – unbelievably well remunerated and played about four per cent of the games. So you’d hope that he and (manager Liam Pickering) would keep that in mind.”
Wells played a total of 12 games across 2014 and 2015 due to troublesome foot and Achilles issues, before playing 19 games this year.
“I think the money’s pretty good, but at the end of the day, it’s up to Daniel,” Brayshaw said on Triple M.
Wells is set to meet with Pickering on Tuesday.
The midfielder had his exit interview at Arden Street on Monday and said he is still hoping a deal is worked through with the Kangaroos.
“Yeah, hopefully something gets worked out. I’ll chat with him tomorrow and we’ll work something out,” Wells said outside the club.
“Not yet (am I any closer to making a call)... I’ll just catch up with Liam this week and make a decision.”
Brayshaw said that the news relating to out-of-contract forward Jarrad Waite is better, saying that he believes a deal to be all but done.