Suns must stand firm in face of player exodus
IT is time the Suns took a stand against players wanting to walk away or else they could become the latest sporting organisation to crash and burn on the Gold Coast.
It is difficult to see a way out of the current situation for the Suns other than testing the patience of their fans and starting completely from scratch. They must be strong. The hot rumour is that cocaptain Steven May wants out and will ask for an early release this year, to join Tom Lynch in an expected exodus.
Aaron Hall basically has his bags packed already and Jarrod Harbrow, who would be in the top three of the club champion voting again, is considering retirement.
I’ve heard it suggested the Suns should let May go now and do a deal while they can get something for him.
While I understand philosophy I can’t agree.
They need to draw a line in the sand and declare that contracts are binding. They let that Gary Ablett go early and hasn’t helped them.
The Suns are already hurtling towards a major issue next year when most of their best players come off contract.
The risk in telling May he is going nowhere is that he walks away next year as a free agent and they get nothing in return for him, except the compensation draft pick.
The greater risk of letting him go now is they are even further weakened next year and if they are in a similar position this time next season, the it likes of Jack Martin, David Swallow, Callum Ah Chee, Pearce Hanley, Sam Day would be instructing their managers to explore all options at other clubs.
Swallow in particular would be entitled to seek new opportunities. He has given his all and watched one after another of his teammates walk out.
The other risk in trading for May is it will be geared heavily in favour of the club he joins.
They gave up Ablett, a Round 2 pick (24) and a 2018 Round 4 pick to Geelong in exchange for an end of Round 1 pick (19) and a 2018 Round 2 pick.
The Suns drafted Wil Powell with that pick and he made his debut two weeks ago against Collingwood. Tim Kelly was Geelong’s pick at 24.
The Suns talked tough when Jaeger O’Meara wanted a fresh start but they relented in the end.
Few will begrudge Lynch if he leaves after seeing so many of his inaugural teammates move but the Suns cannot let May out of his contract.