Dirt-cheap Dog: Jason Akermanis willing to accept paycut

[The Coon Dog]

* Mark Stevens * From: Herald Sun * October 13, 2009 12:00AM



JASON Akermanis will finish his career as a bargain-basement Bulldog.

The veteran is willing to accept a pay cut of more than 50 per cent to play on next year, knowing the Western Bulldogs are burdened by extreme salary cap pressure.

Akermanis's manager Rick Olarenshaw last night confirmed the 32-year-old would play for significantly less than the AFL average wage of $220,000.

"I'm working closely with the club so they can squeeze him into the cap on a basic wage - much less than the AFL average wage," Olarenshaw said.

Article in full...

[strebla]

This bloke has gone up another notch in my humble opinion he has been nothing but good for our club since he got here but his leadership in this manor is unreal well done Aker a true bulldog

[AndrewP6]

My man-crush on Aker grows... AKER FOR P.M!!!

[Dry Rot]

This bloke has gone up another notch in my humble opinion he has been nothing but good for our club since he got here but his leadership in this manor is unreal well done Aker a true bulldog

What he said.

Aker is not a consummate professional, but possibly loves playing more than most.

Many in his position might have just retired.

[KT31]

The man is a legend.
Love the way he plays and his leadership.
Acker must realise we are on the verge of something special or he would retire.

[FrediKanoute]

I think he is living proof that the game can at times be bigger than the dollar. He knows that as a side we are close and for him earning an extra 200k is less important than helping the doggies to a Premiership. Has been a super acquisition to the Doggies!

[LostDoggy]

Well done Aker - Its about the game and it would be nice for Aker, Jonno to finish their careers with a doggies premiership!!!!!!!

[Murphy'sLore]

Couldn't agree more. I take my hat off to Aker. THANK YOU!

[westbulldog]

Agree wholeheartedly with all the posts, I would have have Aker in the leadership group for 2010.

[LostDoggy]

Wasn't there a whole lot of speculation flying around that he wanted much more money than the sum he has now agreed on?

Congratulations Aker, a fine example set for the young pups!!!

[LostDoggy]

He is a fine example in many ways, he has won games off his own back this year. Another good day for our fine club and our great (and still developing) culture. I realise its not one mans doing but since Rodney came along we have developed this side of our club out of site.

Very proud.

[Bulldog4life]

Fantastic to read this article in the Herald Sun today. Another reason why he will be fondly remembered by Bulldog supporters long after he has retired.

[dadsgirl16]

hear! hear! to all these sentiments I love the little man

[Sockeye Salmon]

Wasn't there a whole lot of speculation flying around that he wanted much more money than the sum he has now agreed on?

Congratulations Aker, a fine example set for the young pups!!!

Not at all. He's been happy to play on for reduced money right from the start.

He admitted he brought it on himself by telling the club that 2009 would be his last year so the club budgetted for the extra money available in the salary cap.

[Stefcep]

Yeah good on Aker, class act. Can't help feel that he's getting shafted by the club though- what you get paid should reflect your contribution, not your age. I can think of about 12 players whose contributions weren't as significant as Aker's this season, and he'll probably do more than about half the list next season. Except he'll see them pocket fatter pay packets at the end of the game.