AFL player manager Tim Hazell has issued updates on a host of unsigned players who are clients of Vivid Sport Management.
Speaking on AFL Trade Radio’s Trade Afternoons, Hazell gave the latest on the contractual situations of Collingwood’s Josh Thomas, Richmond’s Noah Cumberland and St Kilda pair Jack Lonie and Paul Hunter.
Hazell also suggested that GWS veteran Shane Mumford could hang up his boots and move into a coaching role at the Giants next year.
See Hazell’s updates below:
Josh Thomas (Collingwood)
“He played 20 games this year. We’ve been having consistent chats with ‘Wrighty’ (Graham Wright) and the Collingwood footy club about where his contract is at.
“We should hopefully find out a little bit more next week. It’s just one of those uncomfortable ones.
“He’d love to go on, but if that’s the not case, he’ll have a really smooth transition out of the game.
“But as I said, he played 20 games this year, he’s a much-loved figure down there at Collingwood and I know that the fans love him.
“He’s had a relationship with ‘Fly’ (Craig McRae) back when Fly was a development coach at Collingwood, so there’s a little bit to play out.”
Jack Lonie (St Kilda)
“It’s a bit of a frustrating one. Over the last couple of years this has sort of happened.
“He played 11 games this year. He’s a great player and deserves another chance.
“At the moment, St Kilda is waiting to see what happens. We’ve been in consistent dialogue with James (Gallagher) and the footy club.
“There’s been some interest out there from other clubs.
“I’m not too sure where it’s going to go, but we’re having some healthy conversations and working through it as we speak.”
Shane Mumford (GWS)
“‘Mummy’ has been a warrior.
“It’s going to go that way (retirement), we’re just working through a contract at the moment for him to step into coaching.
“He’s a much-loved figure at GWS and I know that Leon (Cameron’s) really keen to have him amongst the coaching ranks.
“At the moment, that’s where we think it’s going to go.”
Noah Cumberland (Richmond)
“Tim Batty looks after Noah and Tim’s having constant conversations with Blair (Hartley) and the Richmond footy club.
“Noah’s been really impressive in the back-half of this year. We hope that he gets another opportunity at Richmond.
“We’d like to think there’s going to be an opportunity there, other clubs have inquired, but we’re just trying to keep dialogue open with Richmond to see where that lands over the next week.”
Paul Hunter (St Kilda)
“We’re really hopeful that Paul gets another contract.
“He’s done everything right. He’s really worked hard this year on his craft. It feels like he needs another year in the system.
“Right now, we don’t really know and Paul’s in that really uncomfortable position.
“Hopefully he gets another opportunity to be on the rookie list and continue his AFL career.”