If Dow wants to stay on quite basic money, he would surely be welcome. Realistically he is sixth or probably even seventh in line of our midfielders. Cripps, Walsh, Cerra, Hewett, Kennedy, Docherty, then Dow. Hollands will become a mid rather than winger in time. All bar Dow contracted for two years or better. No matter how popular he is, and despite some very decent showings, we can’t carry costly depth. It would be poor list management. Acres can go inside. Un signed Cuningham and Fogarty at least pinch hitters as is Fisher who is fielding offers.
It is a numbers game. Unless he is happy to take considerable unders, Paddy’s number is up. We can’t keep them all.
TBH I am more concerned about Jack Silvagni. Great clubman, great utility. Does not get a game with current system while our two rucks and Jack Martin are fit. Offers back up in many positions, but he is better than a depth player. A free agent who has his destiny in his own hands. The young man will be torn. Probably gets double the money elsewhere and likely more playing opportunity. He is a professional football from a family of savvy operators. Some of the internal “noise” over the journey may just offset the family heritage. Would love him in our next flag team, but little guarantee he will get a game.
Similarly Cuningham, Marchbank and Fogarty likely have offers, but they will be discounted due to injury. Can see other clubs taking the gamble and offering middling contracts for the first two.
There will be some pain before the off season concludes. Almost impossible to predict where as yet.
