The Adelaide Crows have reportedly hit a wall in contract talks with ruckman Reilly O'Brien, as the 29-year-old seeks a better deal.
O'Brien is an unrestricted free agent and the offer that has been put in front of him by the Crows is reportedly not what he was hoping for.
There is currently a two-year deal on the table, but according toย reporter Tom Morris, he is seeking a more lucrative offer.
"He's holding out because he believes he's worth more than what Adelaide has offered," Morris toldย SEN.
"They've put forward a two-year deal. It's been on the table for several weeks now.
"For whatever reason, it's not the money, nor the tenure that he would like as the number one ruckman.
"So, he's just waiting and he's hoping that the Crows can increase their offer.
"If they don't, then there's a decision to make at the end of the year."
Current Essendon ruckman and South Australian native Sam Draper is approaching free agency this off-season, which could be playing a part in why O'Brien feels he has been low-balled by the Crows.
Although it seems likely Draper is to remain with the Bombers, the Crows are keeping a keen eye on the situation with the hope they could entice him to return to his home state, which would see O'Brien demoted to a second ruck position.
Morris believes this could be a factor in the Crows' disappointing offer to O'Brien.
"Looming large over all of this is Sam Draper," he said
"The Crows think he is more likely to stay at Essendon, but he hasn't made his mind up or hasn't signed yet at the Bombers either with that 4-year deal.
"There is still a bit to play out here, but Reilly O'Brien's happy to run the gauntlet hoping he can get a better deal at the Crows.
"But if not, then there's a decision to be made at the end of the year."
O'Brien has played 132 games for the Crows and was the team's best and fairest winner in 2020. He is currently ranked third in the AFL for hitouts per game, averaging 37.3.
