Are clubs taking a risk in signing players for 5 years or is this a smart move to tie your A graders to the club. Free agency is here, GWS is cashed up, Would you like to see Griffen sign a 5 year deal?
From the Age: Link
Controversial five-year deals
MARK MERCURI (signed in 2000)
Was one of Essendon's premier players in the dominant 2000 season as a silky midfielder and goalkicker. But he would lose form in subsequent years, attributed in part to his brother's death. The contract was cut short when he retired after the 2004 season.
ANTHONY KOUTOUFIDES (signed in 2000)
The Carlton utility was arguably the league's best player when he hurt his knee against Essendon in round 20, 2000. He returned to dominate the 2001 season but another knee injury against Richmond in the finals of that season, this time a torn anterior cruciate ligament, would mean he would never be the same player again. Played until 2007 and won another best and fairest.
AARON HAMILL (signed in 2004)
The rugged St Kilda forward played only 39 matches after hesigned his contract. He didn't play in 2007 and retired at the end of that season after enduring a torrid run with a degenerative knee.
DARREN GASPAR (signed 2001)
Enjoyed a stellar 2001 and received a lucrative offer from Fremantle. Tigers coach Danny Frawley pleaded with the key defender to stay. Deal turned sour in later years with Gaspar finishing his career in the VFL, taking a pay cut.
AND THE RECENT DEALS ...
Joel Selwood (Geelong)
Brett Deledio (Richmond)
Michael Hurley (Essendon)
Sam Reid (Sydney)