Two South Australian based players aren’t rushing to secure their futures beyond 2023 as Melbourne clubs up their interest.
AFL Media’s Cal Twomey revealed to SEN Breakfast that Adelaide’s Tom Doedee and Port Adelaide’s Miles Bergman – both Victorians – are currently happy to let the season play out before committing for 2024 and beyond.
In Doedee’s case, the 26-year-old has been a stalwart for the Crows across the past three years and in the best 22 since 2018 as an intercepting and lockdown defender.
One of the biggest names out of contract at the end of this year, Twomey says the Adelaide star is yet to enter talks with the Crows about extending his deal.
“It’s gone a little bit under the radar in the group of top free agents this year but he has been really important for the Crows in their season,” Twomey began.
“He’s one of only seven restricted free agents in the competition, he’s committed to getting through more of the season before jumping into that decision.
“That one is in a holding pattern as we nearly reach the midway point of the year, holding off on entering talks at the moment.
“He definitely has rival interest, he’s been durable for the last three seasons now, originally a Geelong boy of course.
“The Crows are comfortable he’s invested.”
Doedee was seen as the overwhelming favourite to succeed Rory Sloane for the captaincy, but missed out to Jordan Dawson at the start of this year.
But Adelaide great Mark Bickley suggested at the time that it wouldn’t be a major factor in Doedee deciding if he would leave.
Meanwhile, Bergman is putting together his most consistent AFL season four years into his career at Port Adelaide.
Bergman’s run and drive off half-back has become a regular sight for the Power in their hot start to the year.
The 21-year-old signed a contract extension back in 2021 but heading into Round 9, there’s currently no read on where he’ll be next year.
“He’s been super in recent weeks,” Twomey said of Bergman.
“A Melbourne boy, out of contract at the end of the season, his fourth year at Port Adelaide.
“Rival interest is definitely growing in him, a few clubs are keeping track of him pretty tightly in Melbourne, the Power are desperate to keep him as well.
“He’s not rushing into a call on his contract either… a first round pick back in 2019 which is a pretty good draft… there’s a lot of good names and he’s becoming one of them.”