SEN Chief Sports Reporter Sam Edmund says the “catch-all” behavioural clause in the contract offered to Jordan De Goey would allow Collingwood to terminate his deal at any point.
The Age’s Michael Gleeson reported on Monday evening that De Goey has rejected Collingwood’s latest contract offer, which included behavioural-related clauses as a result of his past off-field history.
Edmund revealed more details on the specifics of the clause, reporting it was broad enough to give the Pies scope to terminate the deal “whenever they think necessary”.
He also said the AFLPA weren’t impressed with the terms of the contact, saying they didn’t support any additional behavioural-related clauses above and beyond the standard playing contract.
“The AFL Players’ Association has taken aim at Collingwood this morning,” he said on AFL Trade Radio’s Trade Mornings.
“From what I have been told, the catch-all clause in the Collingwood contract for Jordan De Goey read along the lines of Collingwood being able to stand down Jordan De Goey and terminate his contract whenever they think necessary.
“That is the ultimate catch-all clause. He doesn’t have to sign that (contract), he can go and sign somewhere else but clearly there is a preference to stay at Collingwood and I’d be shocked if it doesn’t reach a point where he puts pen to paper.
“I think Collingwood will – if they haven’t already – give some ground up when it comes to some specific behavioural clauses to this Jordan De Goey contract.”
FULL STATEMENT
“The AFL Players’ Association does not support additional behavioural clauses imposed on players beyond what’s already in place through the AFL Standard Playing Contract,” AFLPA GM of Player & Stakeholder Relations, Brett Murphy said in a statement.
“Players are also bound by the Code of Conduct, the AFL Rules and other policies, which provide options for sanctions where appropriate and permitted in different circumstances, as well as broader legal principles applying to all employees.
“The content of AFL players' Standard Playing Contract is agreed between the AFL and AFLPA. Having a standard form contract is the norm in world sport and any attempt to deviate from them undermines the integrity of this process and creates inconsistency.”