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Cameron Bruce
Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 9:02 am
by Joel
Bruce contract offer falls short
11 September 2004 Herald Sun
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/ ... 22,00.html
CAMERON Bruce's future at Melbourne appeared to be in limbo last night after contract negotiations with the club stalled.
The Demons presented Bruce, who has been courted by several clubs, with a revised three-year contract on Thursday offering less than the $300,000 a year he wants to stay at the club.
The deal, though, was a better offer than the one provided mid-year.
Bruce's manager, Ricky Nixon, feels the 24-year-old utility warrants between $300-$350,000 a season and would command more if he opted to leave.
"He hasn't said yea or nay to it," Nixon said.
"It's probably fair to say he has attracted interest from other clubs.
"It's up to Cameron to decide what's in his best interest."
Nixon will return to the club next week in the hope of receiving an upgraded offer.
The Demons said they wouldn't comment on contract negotiations but insist Bruce is very much part of their future plans.
The club maintained it was confident of retaining the Melbourne High School Old Boy.
Bruce enjoyed an excellent season after missing Round 1 with injury.
A more consistent performer after working closely with assistant coach Brett Ratten, Bruce was a dynamic presence either in the midfield or up forward.
He led the club in hardball gets (57) and finished second in possessions (428), clearances (65), goals (34) and entries inside the 50m arc (92).
Would we want him, if we were chance? Thoughts? Should we make him an offer, if we haven't already?
Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 9:42 am
by foxychick
Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 9:57 am
by themonk
An absolute gun, I'm sure that we are involved. give the dees pick 7, 23, O'Bree & McGough in exchange for Bruce & T. Johnstone.
Trading over, thank you & goodnight.
Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 10:04 am
by PiesFan
I'd rather we get Bruce then Crawf. He is a YOUNG gun. Good value and it looks as if we can afford him.
Demons would most probably be looking at our highest pick, and i am not too sure if we would be willing to part with it. Pick 23 + MCG be enough? Or Monks suggestion of 7, 23, MCG, OBree for Bruce and Johnston sounds about right.
But surely the demons wont let this guy slip........
Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 10:12 am
by Culprit
With a tag of 300k we would have to trade someone out of our list on the same wage so to speak. Will be interesting. As soon as they say the Pies are interested you know we won't be getting him.
Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 10:21 am
by Joel
But he wants about $350,000. Is he worth it for that much?
Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 11:48 am
by spoljar
Certainly would be worth getting even at 350K per year. Not only is he averaging about 19 possessions a game, but he has also kicked 33 goals for the season. Also averaged about 4.5 marks a game and 3.5 tackles a game this season. Those are pretty good stats. Can win the ball and kick a few goals for you which would be an asset for our team considering we struggled this year to kick enough goals.
Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 1:03 pm
by Presti_is_god
He'd be perfect for us. Could chip in 30-40 goals a season and help out in the midfield.
Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 4:43 pm
by Johnson#26
Get him! He is a star, we must have a go at him. As themonk said, that deal would be great. We must try and poach him.
Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 5:05 pm
by themonk
Culprit wrote:With a tag of 300k we would have to trade someone out of our list on the same wage so to speak. Will be interesting. As soon as they say the Pies are interested you know we won't be getting him.
we were chasing stevens last year & on top of that bucks is on the veterans in 2005, we can afford him/them.
Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 5:24 pm
by labrooy
I am sure we can make room under the salary cap with Bucks and Burns on the veterans list next year. I like the idea put forward by PiesFan. I don't like the idea of a straight swap of pick #7 for Bruce, maybe #23 and McG.
There is no doubt that we need some more grunt in the midfield and Bruce would fit the bill.
Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 10:40 pm
by erniedog
Melbourne is need a full back. Nicholson is crap + they know it. Presti is surplus to our needs. Presti + 23 should do it.
Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 11:24 pm
by Presti_is_god
erniedog wrote:Melbourne is need a full back. Nicholson is crap + they know it. Presti is surplus to our needs. Presti + 23 should do it.
If Presti is surplus the who will take his place?
Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2004 1:09 am
by Gomez
If Presti is surplus the who will take his place?
Happy to have a bulked up J.Cloke at full back if Demons want Presti.
We are going to have to trade what we have plenty of, talls, to get what we need, midfielders.
Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2004 1:37 am
by Dale61
With a full pre-season under his belt, I'd be happy with Nick Maxwell at full back (provided, of course, he is elevated to full senior player status).