Sydney list manager Kinnear Beatson says the Jarryd Lyons to Brisbane deal doesn’t surprise him, explaining how the move came to fruition.
Despite being one of Gold Coast’s best midfielders, and having a year remaining on his deal, the Suns cut Lyons yesterday. However, he is poised to join the Lions on a three-year deal, and Beatson has opened up on how such a move is possible in the current system.
SYDNEY CONFIRM THREE DELISTED FREE AGENT TARGETS
“A lot of the clubs will have players who are in contract for 2019, so you can delist a player that’s contracted, but that money will either sit in your cap, or you take them back as a rookie,” Beatson told SEN Breakfast.
“In this particular case, even though Jarryd is contracted for 2019, I would gather there’s been a mutual agreement between the two clubs, that Gold Coast delist him, and Brisbane pick him up on a three-year deal.
“That’s a separate arrangement between Jarryd and his management and Brisbane.
“Jarryd, given he has got a place to go and extend his contract, he would be happy to be delisted.
“I doubt very much it would be a trade because there’s nothing going back to the Gold Coast. It is just part of the delisting process.”
Beatson also said the move didn’t blindside him as a rival club, saying delisted free agents are free to explore their options.
“No, not as an opposition club, no…a delisted free agent doesn’t have to nominate for the draft,” he said.
“If he can find a club that he is happy to go to, he can just sign up with them and go there as a delisted free agent.
“That’s part of the collective bargaining agreement with the players association.”
Listen to Kinnear Beatson’s chat with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson on SEN Breakfast in the player below