Bartel to sign for four years

[hamG]

Jimmy can sign me for 4 years.

He's had no significant problems with his body and when he ages he is definitely a guy who can spend time forward. He is practically dominant in the air against guys his own size.

 

[David the Cat]

No problem for me to see a 4 year contract.

Of course, his management would insist on that given his durability. He'll be 32 and a 285 game + veteran by the end...barring injury...

Could be a 300 gamer before he hangs em up.

You ripper Jimmy.

 

[The Shiva]

I'm such a big bartel fan I was ready to give up on AFL if he left this is great news

 

[Vdubs]

I don't think any 28-year-old should be given a four-year deal.

Agree, even if it is Bartel. But he's 28 2012 is he not?

 

[hamG]

Agree, even if it is Bartel. But he's 28 2012 is he not?

Yes, 28 for the first year of the contract.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Agree, even if it is Bartel. But he's 28 2012 is he not?

Yes, he turns 28 in December.

 

[Copernicus]

The article doesn't seem to strictly confirm it, but given the quote about how he is only negotiation with us, it's only a matter of time until pen is put to paper. I am not unhappy with a four year deal. Injuries can happen any time, but he's proven himself durable, and I think it will pay off for us in the end.

 

[ZosoCat]

4 year deal is good considering the big deals that GC and GWS will use to try and lure star players like bartel. Us far as I'm concerned all clubs that want to keep star players need to do whatever they can to keep them.

Jimmy was never crying about not winning a brownlow or worried about being the captain. He never has bad body language on the field win or loss... unlike someone else. He is a true professional on and off the field. Great example to the other players. He is geelong through and through.

The simple fact the 4 year deal was necessary because geelong couldn't loose gazza and jimmy in 2 successive years. Cooky had to do absolutely anything to keep him.

 

[Boxhead_31]

Great news looking forward to when it is all confirmed.

Not unhappy with the length of the term Jimmy wont need to play mid field entirely for the next 4 years he will be able to play in the forward line an use his marking ability to be a dangerous weapon for us for a few years to come

 

[Duskfire]

He has been so underpaid in his time at the Cats anyway that he deserves at least another year for a standard contract.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

I agree with all three of those posts.

While I don't think Jimmy would ever have gone anyway, it was definitely a priority to keep him and if that requires a 4 year contract so be it. A servant like him does deserve security (and no doubt that's what he was looking for with the 4 years more so than the money factor) and considering he's been so underpaid for so long, it's fair.

In 4 years guys like Duncan et al will have become gun mids and Jimmy will slow down a bit as he ages, but like CatAttack says, in his twilight he can become a gun FP for us, gosh he's a fantastic mark.

 

[And_ROOS]

I could see Jimmy going to FF when he is 30, 31 as long as his marking continues and being a big goal scorer. Seems to be a pretty good shot for goal too (unless stats prove me wrong, anyone got a reference for set shots?)

 

[dazbroncos]

I think one of the bigger picture things outside of of course keeping Jimmy here is that it shows the other players both inside and outside the club that Geelong is a place where loyalty and performance over a long period is rewarded.

Now it may be that 4 years is a tad long but I'll take that risk as it, in my mind, reaps far better benefits by showing the younger brigade..... Selwood, Vardy, Duncan, Bundy, Motlop, Menzel, Hunt et al that all the hard work and dedication to the club can be rewarded.

Once the Scarlet, Milburn Mooney leadership group move on for whatever reason its gonna be important that these lessons dont get lost and this contract length is a good way to reinforce it....

I just think it helps build the club for the longer term.....

Go Catters

 

[Scottland2007]

How is it that he has not won a Carji Greeves medal yet? We have had some great winners in the past, but surely a Brownlow medalist and 2 time AA would get the nod eventually?

 

[Sttew]

All the talk is about Selwood being our next captain. But watching Bartel against the Hawks made me relaise just how much of a "general" he is. Could / should he be next captain?

 

[FoxC]

I've said this before, I'd love to see Jimmy lead the team before passing it on to Joel.

Skillful, tough, decorated, inspiring, selfless, sporting, humble, universally admired and respected by teammates, opposition, the media and all footy lovers. I have not heard a bad word from anyone about Jimmy, ever.

What else do you want in a captain that he doesn't possess?

 

[Poetic Justice]

I've said this before, I'd love to see Jimmy lead the team before passing it on to Joel.

Skillful, tough, decorated, inspiring, selfless, sporting, humble, universally admired and respected by teammates, opposition, the media and all footy lovers. I have not heard a bad word from anyone about Jimmy, ever.

What else do you want in a captain that he doesn't possess?

I agree with you

 

[LifeSpan-Void]

All the talk is about Selwood being our next captain. But watching Bartel against the Hawks made me relaise just how much of a "general" he is. Could / should he be next captain?

Probably doesn't want it, otherwise he would surely have been named VC ahead of Selwood.

 

[Rowdy Brown]

Love Jimmy, just brilliant. Always said if i Collingwood could choose either Jimmy or Gazza, i would prefer Jimmy. (nothing against Gazza mind you) Just love the way he plays, hard and fair.

 

[krisholio14]

How is it that he has not won a Carji Greeves medal yet? We have had some great winners in the past, but surely a Brownlow medalist and 2 time AA would get the nod eventually?

He will this year

I don't mind the four year deal. I will probably like it even more once I know the nature of the deal.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Probably doesn't want it, otherwise he would surely have been named VC ahead of Selwood.

I would agree with that, the fact that out of all the guns we have in the leadership group, Selwood was named the sole vice captain, tells you what is certain to happen when Ling retires at the end of the year.

That said I'd be very happy with Jimmy as captain but I'd suggest Joel is a certainty to be our captain in 2012.

 

[you pick one]

Probably doesn't want it, otherwise he would surely have been named VC ahead of Selwood.

Not true trust me

 

[LifeSpan-Void]

Not true trust me

do tell.

 

[you pick one]

do tell.

No way. would have to betray source.I'm not prepared to do that,sorry LSV.

 

[Poetic Justice]

You sound confident that Cameron Ling will retire at years end, PO.

Are you absolutely sure he will? Don't just say so because you think he is old and tired etc, or that you THINK he should, but whether what you think the reality may end up being.