Contract talks between Aaron Francis and Essendon have stagnated in recent weeks, according to SEN Breakfast’s Sam Edmund.
Francis, 21, remains out of contract with the Bombers and previously expressed his wish to return to his home state of South Australia in 2017.
The No.6 pick in the 2015 draft has played both forward and back in his 27 games in red and black following a breakout season in 2018.
When asked on SEN Breakfast where Francis’ contract negotiations are at, Edmund replied: “Stagnated.”
“It was actually signed, sealed and delivered a couple of weeks ago … but that’s not the case anymore.
“It’s largely looking like it’s an incentivised contract which I’m not sure his camp is overly happy with. Regardless of the specifics, it’s gone away from being as close as what it was a couple of weeks ago.”
Tim Watson believes Francis’ future at Essendon will depend on what happens with star forward Joe Daniher, who’s no certainty to be at the club in 2020.
“I think the Joe Daniher decision will have an impact (on Francis’ contract),” Watson said.
“I still think they see him (Francis) as a defender more than a forward.”
Bombers CEO Xavier Campbell told SEN Breakfast on Wednesday he could not definitively say Daniher will be at the club next season.
The one-time All-Australian has been linked with a shock move to Sydney.
Listen to Sam Edmund’s chat on SEN Breakfast in the player below