Rockliff deal all but done
PORT Adelaide’s free agency offer to Tom Rockliff was the only paperwork lodged with the AFL yesterday.
The former Brisbane captain is a restricted free agent, which leaves the Lions three days to decide whether they will match Port’s deal.
But Brisbane is unlikely to take that path, preferring instead to let the disgruntled midfielder go and receive a compensatory draft pick from the AFL.
“In all my discussions with Brisbane I would be surprised if they were going to match,” Rockliff’s manager Tom Petroro told AFL Trade Radio.
“But obviously they’ve got to do their due diligence and go through a process.
“I don’t see us having any holdup there.”
Carlton also made a strong bid to sign Rockliff, but he chose the Power because he felt their chances of premiership success were greater.
Rocklifff, 27, unsuccessfully sought a trade at the end of last season and was subsequently stripped of the captaincy by new Lions coach Chris Fagan.
Rockliff played 154 games for Brisbane after joining via the 2009 pre-season draft.
He also won its best and fairest award twice. Brisbane is likely to receive a late first round pick from the AFL for the loss of Rockliff.
Port has already received a compensatory pick (No.30) for the loss of Jackson Trengove to the Bulldogs, but the addition of Rockliff will see it forfeit that pick. Power speedster Jarman Impey, another client of Petroro’s, is likely to get his wish to be traded to Hawthorn.
In list management moves made yesterday Port’s Angus Monfries announced his retirement after 211 games in stints with Essendon and Port.
Collingwood has delisted Lachlan Keeffe, Henry Schade, Liam Mackie and Mitch McCarthy.