Geelong have been praised for “deadlocking” a deal for defender Esava Ratugolea, but their tough stance could allow Essendon to cash in.
For a second consecutive season, Ratugolea attempted to facilitate a trade with Port Adelaide, after running out of time to complete a deal at the end of 2022.
But the Cats, who remain adamant they do not want to lose Ratugolea, now out of contract, moved back pick 24 last week from Port Adelaide.
Boxing: Tim Tszyu defends his world title against Brian Mendoza SUNDAY OCT 15 12PM AEDT | Order now with the Main Event on Kayo Sports
Fox Footy’s Leigh Montagna said he liked the approach Geelong took, given it was clear the Power were “desperate”.
“I like it – the good old confrontation,” he said on Trading day.
“Geelong knows how desperate Port Adelaide is to get Ratugolea.
Tom Hawkins signs one-year extension with the Cats | 00:28
“They are in contention for the premiership, they think they will be next season and they need key defenders.
“Geelong is standing firm and saying, ‘if you want it, you’re going to have to move.’ You’re going to have to find something better.” I like this.
“They must be discouraged.
“They’ll have to find a little something extra – that’s what Geelong is waiting for.”
Montagna said criticism that Geelong was seeking a deal on Ratugolea was irrelevant given market demand.
“Port Adelaide, I think, will have to add a sweetener on top of the 24,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter (if it brings in extra money) – that’s how much Port Adelaide needs him.
“There is no need to determine the break-even point based on a person’s worth: it is about how much a club is willing to pay to try to win a premiership.”
“They should be a challenge for the 8!” » | 02:23
And with the Ratugolea trade grinding to a halt, Essendon could emerge as the big winner as they seek a deal for runaway defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher.
Zerk-Thatcher has named Port as his club of choice – and if a deal for Ratugolea doesn’t come through, the Bombers will sit in the box office making a big ask.
“Essendon can keep in touch with Zerk-Thatcher – they’ll see what happens with Ratugolea,” Montagna said.
“If there’s no movement at Ratugolea, all of a sudden Zerk-Thatcher becomes a desperate need.
“So Essendon can demand a little more.”
Ratugolea has struggled to make Geelong’s top 22 and has moved to defense this season.
But again, he didn’t hold his place in that backline when the Cats were in top form.
Dogs’ young gun gets monster contract | 01:31
“Port would say (Ratugolea) hasn’t played in the senior team this year as much as he could have,” said Fox Footy’s David Zita.
“On the Geelong side (they argue) ‘you’re offering about six years, or $700,000 to a player who you think has untapped potential.’ Pay if you want to rid us of him.
