Excellent signing/extension Sholl will be a very important player for us going forward.
I remember a few years back when Port were garbage, they seemed to be able to sign every one of their players without issue. At the time I remember wondering why they were able to do that so easily while we were having players leave us every year while contending for premierships. And yet, sure enough, now that we're at arguably our lowest ebb, we seem to be able to sign everyone we want up as well!
Is there something about being in a low-performing team that lends itself to players extending their contracts? Does it galvanize a playing group, almost force them to bunker in and bond together? Is it that they see more opportunities? Are they excited about fighting their way back up the ladder?
Or is it just that we've got a bit more money to splash around now?
Very interesting reflections.
Its probably some of that .... plus some of a large-ish cohort of lads being picked over a couple of years getting along well/becoming mates and wanting to take the journey together. I think that the fact that so many of these dudes are from interstate has actually helped in this case. They are all here together, bonding their little socks off, getting opportunities and not living with family and mates nagging them about playing for a dud team etc.
What I really want to think is that the culture of the club is outstanding. It certainly seems a happier place than it has been for years.