The second day of free agency and, as expected, was quieter than the flurry to begin the period yesterday. Only one player officially moved as we wait on clubs to respond on offers from yesterday and table future offers.
After quitting the West Coast Eagles yesterday, Quentin Lynch officially found a new home at the Magpies today. As an unrestricted free agent he was free to move without any input from the Eagles after he turned down their one year offer.
The 29 year old forward looks as if he will be occupying the hole left by retiring forward/ruckman Leigh Brown in the Collingwood lineup. The West Australian product was very keen on the move.
It was exciting to think that I could play for the biggest club in the game, and challenge myself at the same time to play a flexible role. The idea of playing at the MCG every second week was really attractive too.
I’m a life member of West Coast and I’ll always think well of the club, so I hope everyone there understands that joining Collingwood was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.
Lynch, who played 209 games for the Eagles, was previously linked with Carlton and Melbourne, but it seems the lure of playing for the largest club in the league was enough for Lynch to sign the dotted line.
Carlton coach Mick Malthouse confirmed that he would now look to join the race for ex-Adelaide forward Kurt Tippett after the Lynch deal was announced.
Confirmation also came out today about the Tiger’s previously reported offer to Port Adelaide’s Troy Chaplin. As he is a restricted agent, the 3 day period that the Power have to make a counter-offer began today.
Port Adelaide will also have to decide by the end of proceedings tomorrow whether they want to match the offer put forward by Fremantle for midfielder Danyle Pearce.
Geelong football manager Neil Balme confirmed the Cats’ interest in Melbourne free agent Jared Rivers, and also spoke of interest in North Melbourne’s Hamish McIntosh. Unlike Rivers, McIntosh is contracted, so Geelong will need to wait until the trade period (beginning Monday next week) to put an offer forward.
The biggest story of yesterday, Brendan Goddard’s move to Essendon, would have hit home to Saints and Bombers fans this morning as it was reported he’ll meet his new team-mates at an altitude camp in November.
There were little more than rumours for the remaining free agents today as clubs decide their next move.
Moves:
Quentin Lynch (West Coast, unrestricted) moved via FA to the Collingwood Magpies
Keep up with the trades and rumours on the BigFooty Drafts and Trading board.