Ward, Boyd, Cross and Giansiracusa still unsigned

[chef]

AS the Western Bulldogs scramble to make a last-ditch bid to retain Callan Ward, several other stars remain unsigned.

Captain Matthew Boyd, joint vice-captain Daniel Giansiracusa and heart-and-soul midfielder Daniel Cross are yet to agree to terms beyond this year.

Ward is believed to be no better than a 30-70 chance to stay at Whitten Oval, but the Dogs should strike deals with the experienced trio despite haggling over the deals.

It is unusual for a captain of Boyd's stature to be unsigned so late in a season, with the sticking point believed to be the length of a new agreement.

Boyd, 29 next week, has been offered two years, with debate continuing on whether he is worth three.

Giansiracusa, who will be 30 by the start of next season, also remains in limbo.

It is understood there have been no talks between the Dogs and Giansiracusa's management for several weeks, but there has been debate over whether the forward deserves two years or one year.




Cross, who will be 29 entering next season, is also believed to favour a new two-year deal, but at this stage has been offered only a one-year extension.

In other developments at Whitten Oval, there was speculation last night that popular ruckman Ben Hudson was close to announcing he would not play on next season.

Despite the contract issues at the top end of the list, and the likelihood Hudson will retire, the Dogs are close to announcing deals with several emerging players -- including Easton Wood, who was believed to be a target of Greater Western Sydney.

There is speculation veteran Robert Murphy has agreed to terms on a two-year deal.

Ward's manager, Paul Connors, has a meeting with the Bulldogs next week.

The meeting,before the Dogs' final game against Fremantle, should give the club a clearer insight into the 21-year-old midfielder's plans.

Some teammates are believed to be resigned to the fact that Ward will leave -- and they cannot begrudge him given he will earn about $4.5 million over five years.

The Dogs have tried everything to convince Ward to stay, reiterating his future as a leader and pushing up his offer to about $450,000 a season.

Boyd's contract was not extended when he was announced as skipper in January.

Both Boyd and Cross signed three-year deals in 2008.

Boyd is the top possession getter in the AFL this year.





OUT OF CONTRACT

CALLAN WARD: Considered a 30 per cent chance of staying.

MATTHEW BOYD: Discussions on whether he is worth two or three years.

DANIEL CROSS: Has been offered one. Is he worth two?

DANIEL GIANSIRACUSA: In limbo. Likely to have to accept one-year.




BELIEVED TO HAVE SIGNED

ROBERT MURPHY: Two years in principle.




ALL BUT DONE

EASTON WOOD: Was a target for GWS.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/af...-1226120815732

[Ghost Dog]

Good on ya Easton
I guess Ward is gone then.....

What's the forum's view of Boyd? Think he has two years left in him?

[Desipura]

I was told the swans are interested in Minson, they may have given up on Seaby

[BulldogBelle]

l think the club must hold firm on Boyd, Cross and Gia.
You can't give them more time than they are worth as they are getting to the wrong side of 30.
Look at Gilbee one year left on his contract and spent most of this year at Willy.

[GVGjr]

l think the club must hold firm on Boyd, Cross and Gia.
You can't give them more time than they are worth as they are getting to the wrong side of 30.
Look at Gilbee one year left on his contract and spent most of this year at Willy.

I'd be going for 2 years deals for Giansiracusa and Cross but a 3 year deal for Boyd.

[Mantis]

I'd be going for 2 years deals for Giansiracusa and Cross but a 3 year deal for Boyd.

If you were the player or the club?

[Desipura]

I'd be going for 2 years deals for Giansiracusa and Cross but a 3 year deal for Boyd.

I think you are too kind on Cross and Gia.
Cross will not help us climb back up the ladder, I would prefer Wallis & Libba in the team in 2012.
Gia's form was very very good during the middle part of the season, it has dropped since.
What happens if his form drops early in 2012 like it did in 2011? What if he cannot recapture his form?
We will have him playing the next 1 1/2 years at Williamstown.

Its not as if these 2 players are in demand at another club, keep them on one year contracts I say, there is less to lose financially that way.

[bornadog]

I'd be going for 2 years deals for Giansiracusa and Cross but a 3 year deal for Boyd.

I tend to agree, all three have played well and put in the extra training and intensity required at this level. They are all role models for the younger group. Cross is only 28 and has had a fantastic season as has Boyd and Gia.

I don't understand some fans not appreciating what these guys have done for the club and they still have plenty to give.

Is it any wonder that teams like Melbourne and Richmond, full of young potential kids but with no older players with experience to help them, still can't make the finals.

[Ghost Dog]

I'd be going for 2 years deals for Giansiracusa and Cross but a 3 year deal for Boyd.

2 years for Gia and 3 for boyd...
I just can't agree on Gia. Classy, but not irreplacable. 1 year.
Boyd, yeah maybe 3. Prefer 2.
Cross, don't agree. 1 year max.
We are just too slow as a team.

[LostDoggy]

Cross is pretty much Luke Ball with a lower media profile but a better overhead mark -- every 'young' team looking to get a hard head in to help out will not be missing out on another Luke Ball after seeing how well he's done at Collingwood.

As WE would be that 'young team' in the next couple of years we shouldn't be undervaluing a seasoned body and a contributor of his quality. If Libba and Wallis become good enough they'll push him out naturally, but we shouldn't be losing Crossy from our list prematurely.

[bornadog]

Cross is pretty much Luke Ball with a lower media profile but a better overhead mark -- every 'young' team looking to get a hard head in to help out will not be missing out on another Luke Ball after seeing how well he's done at Collingwood.

As WE would be that 'young team' in the next couple of years we shouldn't be undervaluing a seasoned body and a contributor of his quality. If Libba and Wallis become good enough they'll push him out naturally, but we shouldn't be losing Crossy from our list prematurely.

When Cross and Boyd are ready to retire, Wallis and Libba will be primed to take over. They will not be taking over next year as 19 year olds.

[Mantis]

When Cross and Boyd are ready to retire, Wallis and Libba will be primed to take over. They will not be taking over next year as 19 year olds.

No-one has said that will be taking over next year, just that we have to be cautious with our older players so that we aren't in the position we are now with Gilbee & Hargrave in a few years time.

As Ozza stated if their form is good enough they will be around for a while yet.

[LostDoggy]

We got 4 good years out of Hudson because the Coneheads, acting on their principles, refused to give him a three year deal.

I'm with GVGJr on this.

[Mofra]

We got 4 good years out of Hudson because the Coneheads, acting on their principles, refused to give him a three year deal.

I still think the Crows' treatment of their older players would have been a factor in Bock leaving as well.

[Ghost Dog]

who are the coneheads? crows?