Shiel eyes pay cut to be Bomber

GWS will demand two firstround picks for Dylan Shiel after he yesterday announced he wanted to pursue a flag with Essendon in a deal that could cost him $ 2 million over six years.

But the Bombers will try to land the classy playmaker with its pick No. 9 in this year’s national draft and a small sweetener, probably a future second or third- round selection.

The Giants have salary cap issues and, in part, encouraged Shiel to talk to rival clubs. The stand- off has already started but it won’t be insurmountable.

‘’ There’s eight days to go and it will get done,’’ a source close to the deal said yesterday.

But a Giants insider said last night the club rated Shiel better than Adam Treloar, who was traded to Collingwood for two first- round selections.

“Treloar was worth two picks and this bloke is an All Australian, so he’s also worth two picks,’’ the insider said.

“Absolutely, we will not shift on that.’’

Shiel was swayed by a belief that Essendon would have onfield success and the thrill of playing in front of blockbuster crowds such as Anzac Day.

The Bombers’ bid was the lowest of the four offers made to the 25- year- old, believed to be below $ 1 million a season.

The six- year deal is believed to be more than $ 2 million less than what Shiel could’ve earned elsewhere.