Respect pauses Sun talk
SUNS list manager Scott Clayton says Gold Coast are still hopeful Gary Ablett can get his requested trade to Geelong but won’t be voicing discussions publicly out of respect for the family.
Clayton says both clubs are continuing to discuss potential deals for the Suns midfielder in the background as he mourns the death of his sister Natasha.
“We have decided to not get involved in any conversation – in due respect to Gary’s family – for a couple of days,” Clayton said on AFL Trade Radio.
“We are talking and we will continue to do so and we hope for a good result for everyone but it is a very sad time for him.
“As a footy club we have decided to respect the next few days.”
Geelong list manager Stephen Wells said the Cats wouldn’t use Natasha’s death last week to speed up talks with Gold Coast.
“I don’t think our conversation with the Gold Coast is going to change too much,” Wells told SEN radio. “Certainly we won’t be using the current circumstances to enhance the conversation.
“Scott Clayton has been very understanding of Gary’s situations right through, had good conversations right through. I expect that would continue.”
Meanwhile, the Suns’ rebounding defender Adam Saad has joined Essendon after being traded by the Suns for the Bombers’ 2018 secondround draft pick.
Saad thanked the club for their support but said, as a practising Muslim, living so far from his Victorian-based family was difficult.
“I signed my Gold Coast contract with good intentions but a lot of things changed and I wanted to come home,” Saad told AFL Trade Radio. “The Suns were unbelievable – they embraced me and they respected me and my culture.
“I can’t thank them enough, but I was isolated up there.”