Thornton wants to stay, say Blues
Jake Niall
The Age
October 6, 2006
CARLTON says uncontracted key defender Bret Thornton, the subject of Hawthorn's attentions, has indicated he wants to remain a Blue.
Carlton chief executive Michael Malouf met Thornton and his management yesterday, with the Blues trying to come to terms with the 22-year-old defender, who has been offered a hefty three year by the Hawks.
Malouf confirmed yesterday's meeting, the first since Thornton began seriously entertaining Hawthorn's offer.
"We met with him," Malouf said. "He's back from his holiday, he had a good holiday. And it was a positive meeting, you know, we're hopeful that he will stay the club. He's a required player at the club and we know he wants to be at the club."
If Thornton is to remain with Carlton, his contract will have to be approved by the club's board, which as a matter of policy must approve of any contract longer than two years.
Carlton's initial offer, as of last week, involved a base of $150,000, with the capacity to earn up to $240,000 in 2007 and $260,000 in the next year.
But Hawthorn has offered a guaranteed $300,000 annually for three years.
Richmond also has expressed some interest in Thornton, a young defender, having discarded Andrew Kellaway and with Darren Gaspar nearing the end of his career.Thornton has played 91 games in five years and finished seventh in the best and fairest this year.
Carlton would want Hawthorn's No. 7 draft pick in the event that the player requested a trade.
In the event that Thornton chose to walk, Carlton could theoretically re-draft with its first choice in the pre-season draft. Thornton, alternatively, could place a high price on his head and nominate for the pre-season draft.
Carlton feels its firm line on contracts has paid off over the past 18 months, given that it managed to keep Lance Whitnall and Matthew Lappin — the latter having sought unsuccessfully a three-year deal last year.
Another young Blue, Jordan Russell, also remains out of contract.
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