Thought Lance Franklin's contract was big? Think again.
Former Port Adelaide player Kane Cornes has suggested the Gold Coast Suns offer Tom Lynch a 10-year, $1.5 million per season contract to stay at the club, claiming the Suns "may as well shut their doors" if he chooses to leave.
Speaking on SEN, Cornes said the Suns had backed themselves into a position to offer them a 'Buddy-style' contract in order to secure arguably the game's most promising young forward.
Cornes added that while Franklin's contract seemed outlandish when initially announced, the AFL's new pay structure meant his $900,000 per season contract "seems like a bargain" and despite not delivering the ultimate success (as yet) to the Swans, the deal has absolutely paid off for the harbour city club.
After losing players like Dion Prestia, Jaeger O'Meara and last year's prized number two draft pick to Fremantle (for Lachie Weller), Cornes said that Stuart Dew had an unenviable task with Suns CEO Mark Evans needing to get down to business on securing Lynch's future at the club.
Cornes also believes that in 10 years time, average player wages will continue to rise, further justifying an extra large contract offer for the spearhead forward.
