Chief Football Reporter at The Age Jake Niall says North Melbourne has the most room in its salary cap out of all the clubs chasing prized recruits this off-season.
With North Melbourne publically making an offer to Jordan De Goey, and Collingwood, Hawthorn and Richmond all in the frame for Gold Coast forward Tom Lynch, Niall analysed each side’s current salary position.
“I’m just going on what I learned last year which is (North Melbourne) had room for both Dusty (Dustin Martin) and Josh Kelly last year,” Niall told SEN Breakfast.
“The fact that they didn’t land either player, what typically happens with a club in that position is they then front load a couple of the contracts.
“So the space would not have evaporated.”
Out of all 18 clubs in the league, Niall believes North Melbourne are in one of the best positions to poach a high-profiled player come trade period.
“I think the amount of room that North have got is right up there in the top couple (of clubs), along with St Kilda and Carlton,” he said.
“But where North are different to those other clubs is that North have a much more competitive footy team and more senior players, yet they have still created the space.”
Out of the three Victorian clubs reportedly vying for Lynch’s services, Niall believes Hawthorn could potentially put together the most significant contract offer.
“(Hawthorn) would have the best salary cap position,” Niall said.
“Having said that, if they are pursuing Rory Sloane or another midfielder, they would only have the room for one player.
“They wouldn’t be able to get Lynch and say Rory Sloane if Rory Sloane decides to leave the Crows.”
As for the Tigers and Magpies, Niall said both sides face some obstacles in securing Lynch’s services.
“Richmond have got a number of players out of contract but they would have to find space,” he said.
“That would be a difficult task.
“Collingwood are trying to keep De Goey, trying to keep Darcy Moore, trying to keep Elliott.
“So all of those clubs have challenges trying to accommodate Tom Lynch.”
Lynch and De Goey both come out of contract at season’s end, with the pair attracting significant attention from rival clubs.
Listen to the full interview with Jake Niall on SEN Breakfast below: