One of the AFL’s biggest contract stories has taken another twist after private text messages revealed how close the league came to witnessing a stunning $10 million player switch.
The messages shed new light on the behind-the-scenes negotiations that almost changed the balance of power in the AFL, while highlighting just how aggressively clubs were prepared to chase one of the competition’s biggest stars. (news.com.au)
According to News Corp, the text exchanges reveal that Gold Coast’s pursuit of Nick Daicos was far more advanced than many realised.
The Suns were prepared to put together a package reportedly worth around $10 million in an ambitious attempt to lure the Collingwood superstar north, with discussions involving senior club figures before Daicos ultimately committed his future to the Magpies.
MORE NEWS: Essendon Coaching Search: Has Dean Solomon Done Enough to Earn a Shot at the Bombers’ Top Job?
THIRSTY? Get your alcohol DELIVERED & watch the AFL with our friends at Liqourland here
The reported messages illustrate just how determined Gold Coast was to land the Brownlow Medal favourite.
Rather than simply making an enquiry, the Suns invested significant time exploring whether there was any chance of convincing Daicos to leave Collingwood as part of what would have been one of the richest deals in AFL history. (news.com.au)
Ultimately, the move never materialised.
Daicos instead recommitted to Collingwood, ending months of speculation and allowing the Magpies to secure the face of their football club for the long term.
While Gold Coast missed out, the saga reinforced a growing trend across the AFL.
Clubs are increasingly willing to offer unprecedented contracts to genuine superstars, particularly players capable of transforming both on-field performance and commercial appeal.
The pursuit also demonstrated how valuable elite midfielders have become in the modern game, with clubs prepared to spend record sums to secure franchise players entering the prime of their careers.
Although the deal never happened, the newly revealed text messages provide a rare glimpse into how aggressively AFL clubs operate behind closed doors during contract negotiations.
They also show just how close the competition came to witnessing one of the biggest player moves in its history.
THIRSTY? Get your alcohol DELIVERED & watch the AFL with our friends at Liqourland here
