Victorian clubs are circling out of contract former Victorian and GWS Giants midfielder Dylan ShielJon Ralph
Herald-Sun
April 30, 2015 9:00PMDYLAN Shiel’s market value continues to skyrocket, with the Greater Western Sydney midfielder in no hurry to decide on his future at the club.
The GWS on-baller is out of contract at season’s end and being aggressively pursued by Victorian clubs given his impressive resume.
He is second in the AFL coaches award behind Fremantle’s Nathan Fyfe but the former Caulfield Grammar School student admits the pull of home remains.
He continues to tell the Giants he is not ready to talk about a deal, content to let his deal roll until later in the season.
He would perfectly fit Richmond’s needs if the former Carlton supporter did decide to return home, but it would take a huge package to compensate GWS.
His girlfriend’s father is Richmond development coach Mark Williams, yet every Victorian club has inquired about his availability.
The Tigers have significant cap space after missing out on several trade targets last year including Jack Trengove.
After taking five selections in last year’s draft they could easily sell to their members a trade which included a quality player and their first pick.
The 22-year-old lives in Coogee and is enjoying the Sydney lifestyle but said this month he would let the season play out without a decision on his future.
“At the moment I’m just looking forward to playing out the year. I’ll leave the negotiations to my manager and the Giants, but all good signs so far,” he said.
“I won’t lie, it’s always hard obviously with family down in Melbourne and friends but like any player you go through challenges.
“I feel like the club is really good at understanding the wellbeing of the players. Everyone has a really good lifestyle here at the club.”
Richmond has salary cap room for a player like Shiel and wants goalkicking midfielders, although he has kicked only 30 in his 54 games so far.
The Giants have been able to secure Jeremy Cameron and Devon Smith on new deals and believe team success will be a key factor in retaining their stars.
All of Shiel, Adam Treloar, Stephen Coniglio and Will Hoskin-Elliott are unsigned but believe team success is a massive part of their decision.
Hoskin-Eliott said last week his preference was to stay but would get some form up after a recent injury before considering a contract.
Shiel’s former teammate Tom Boyd was able to secure a $1 million-a-season contract that saw the Western Bulldogs give up captain Ryan Griffen and selection six.
It was seen as a game-changing trade yet underlines not only the bounty ahead of Shiel but the type of offer GWS would need if Shiel returned home.
GWS refused to comment yesterday on Shiel’s status
Coach Leon Cameron told the Herald Sun after last year’s draft he believed his stars would rebuff massive offers from Victorian clubs.
“If you have a really good culture and footy program and know where you want to go, success always overrides (huge offers),” he told the Herald Sun.
“Treloar, Cameron and Shiel came in as 17-year-olds and the loyalty they have shown in five years has been fantastic.
“I sometimes think we underestimate how loyal they have been. I am really confident when we continue our journey in 2015 and we are all looking for more wins, the signatures will take care of themselves.
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