southerncross
18-05-2007, 05:25 AM
Cooney wants to remain a Bulldog (http://realfooty.com.au/news/news/cooney-wants-to-stay-a-dog/2007/05/17/1178995325348.html)
WHILE the Western Bulldogs are prepared for an assault on Adam Cooney's services by Adelaide and Port Adelaide, the uncontracted midfielder has indicated his wish to re-sign with the club.
Cooney's management last night indicated that the South Australian former No. 1 draft pick would extend his contract in the course of 2007, rather than waiting until the end of the season for negotiations, like West Coast champion Chris Judd.
Cooney's manager, Rick Olarenshaw, of Athletes One, said Cooney wanted to remain with the Bulldogs.
"I wouldn't think it would happen at the end of the year. I think at some stage this year, we'll extend his contract, but there's no certain time on that," Olarenshaw said.
Cooney's desire to stick will come as a relief to the club, given that the Crows and Port are often keen to lure talented South Australians, such as Cooney and teammate Ryan Griffen, home. Cooney would be particularly appealing to Adelaide, given that its most dynamic playmakers Simon Goodwin, Tyson Edwards and Andrew McLeod are all 30-plus.
Cooney, who is in his fourth season at Whitten Oval, is believed to be paid more than $300,000 this year. He is likely to seek a two-year deal.
Veteran Bulldog Luke Darcy also wants to play on next year, but only on the proviso that he feels he can be of value to the club. Darcy, who missed all of 2006 after he had a second knee reconstruction, is out of contract at the end of 2007.
Sources said Darcy, 31, was enjoying his return to football and, at this stage, hoped to play on next year, but a definite decision on his future and contract would not be made until it was clearer how he was progressing. He impressed as a commentator with Channel Ten during his lay-off and wishes to pursue a media career upon retirement.
Darcy, who relinquished the captaincy to Brad Johnson as a result of his injury, has played mainly as a forward this year, with only limited ruck duties.
WHILE the Western Bulldogs are prepared for an assault on Adam Cooney's services by Adelaide and Port Adelaide, the uncontracted midfielder has indicated his wish to re-sign with the club.
Cooney's management last night indicated that the South Australian former No. 1 draft pick would extend his contract in the course of 2007, rather than waiting until the end of the season for negotiations, like West Coast champion Chris Judd.
Cooney's manager, Rick Olarenshaw, of Athletes One, said Cooney wanted to remain with the Bulldogs.
"I wouldn't think it would happen at the end of the year. I think at some stage this year, we'll extend his contract, but there's no certain time on that," Olarenshaw said.
Cooney's desire to stick will come as a relief to the club, given that the Crows and Port are often keen to lure talented South Australians, such as Cooney and teammate Ryan Griffen, home. Cooney would be particularly appealing to Adelaide, given that its most dynamic playmakers Simon Goodwin, Tyson Edwards and Andrew McLeod are all 30-plus.
Cooney, who is in his fourth season at Whitten Oval, is believed to be paid more than $300,000 this year. He is likely to seek a two-year deal.
Veteran Bulldog Luke Darcy also wants to play on next year, but only on the proviso that he feels he can be of value to the club. Darcy, who missed all of 2006 after he had a second knee reconstruction, is out of contract at the end of 2007.
Sources said Darcy, 31, was enjoying his return to football and, at this stage, hoped to play on next year, but a definite decision on his future and contract would not be made until it was clearer how he was progressing. He impressed as a commentator with Channel Ten during his lay-off and wishes to pursue a media career upon retirement.
Darcy, who relinquished the captaincy to Brad Johnson as a result of his injury, has played mainly as a forward this year, with only limited ruck duties.