Dermir on SEN this morning raised the same thing - described Ward as the 4th best mid-fielder at the Dogs but was getting offered more money that some of the the best players in the comp - he described it as staggering
Sounds like another positive point on why he should chase the money by GWS.
Sheedy must see alot of potential in him that he isn't seeing in some of his youngsters or the ones there looking at drafting.
In Ward's case it would seem money is the factor but being young and the Dogs in transition means he won't see success for the Dogs at least for another five or six years around the time one would expect if all goes well at GWS given their push along they may be playing for a flag.
In so many words why stay at the Dogs for 500K and no success in the next 5 years when you can play for 800K at GWS for no success albeit until the kids get mature and by then who cares you are 1.5 million dollars better off.
That is why these new franchises may target players from successful on field clubs but you can't essentially buy success Gary Ablett the exception and GC 17 so you go to the less successful ones dangle the carrot of plenty of cash and probable success and eventually some will bite.
Sheeds knew what he was doing. Started at the Collingwood's Hawthorn's Geelongs and nothing came and eventually got to the struggling clubs and the rumours have not stopped all season.