Glad to read- new contracts

[saintbrat]

I was reading of other teams beginning contract talks and was going to post that I hoped the saints had begun these talks with some of the players- Nothing worse than hanging out in September ( when players minds should be on finals) to hear players are confirmed.

Well done saints
I think there are a few more on the list we need to secure soon- whilst some will no doubt wait till mid season.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/ ... 42,00.html
Saints to strike deal with Gram
Glenn McFarlane | March 16, 2008 12:00am


ST Kilda is poised to strike a new long-term deal with Michael Tuck medallist Jason Gram. Gram's manager, Ricky Nixon, said this week the Saints had begun negotiations before last week's NAB Cup grand final, in which the rebounding half-back gathered 33 possessions in a best afield display.

"We are talking to St Kilda at the moment about extending his contract," Nixon said.

"St Kilda had approached me prior to last Saturday night. Jason wants to stay, so hopefully we can sort it all out soon."

Gram was the dominant player for the Saints in the thrilling win over Adelaide at AAMI Stadium and looms as a key player in the club's ambitious plans for the 2008 season.

The 23-year-old had eight inside 50s and kicked a crucial nine-point super goal in last week's NAB Cup win.

http://www.saintsational.com/forum/view ... hp?t=34394

#7 Lenny Hayes (C) = end of 2008
#22 Shane Birss = end of 2008
#27 Jason Blake = end of 2008
#44 Stephen Milne = end of 2008
#36 Jarryd Allen = end of 2008
#20 David Armitage = end of 2008
#30 Brad Howard = end of 2008
#8 Max Hudghton = end of 2008
#15 Michael Gardiner = end of 2008
#6 Leigh Fisher = end of 2008
#18 Brendon Goddard = end of 2008
#1 Jason Gram = end of 2008
#33 James Gwilt = end of 2008
#11 Leigh Montagna = end of 2008
#3 Xavier Clarke = end of 2008
#21 Matthew Ferguson = end of 2008
#38 Clinton Jones = end of 2008
#9 Fraser Gehrig = end of 2008

[ben_fff]

Of those the guys coming out of contract this is how I see it.

Required
Lenny Hayes
Jason Blake
Jarryd Allen
David Armitage
Max Hudghton
Brendon Goddard
Jason Gram
Leigh Montagna
Xavier Clarke
Fraser Gehrig

Good but need to show consistency
Shane Birss
Birss is a good depth player but I honestly see so many people ahead of him, I think he's better than a stopper... he has decent foot skills like the hard stuff, just needs to get on the more attacking side of the ball more.
Stephen Milne
Should probably go above, he has the skills and now with a bit more midfield depth he doesn't have to run up the ground as much, I'd like to see him kick at least 40 goals this season and not wind himself into trouble wasting opportunities for us.
Michael Gardiner
He can do it, he has the skills and has started showing his old mobility, however if injury's hit you'd have to wonder if he'll stay.
Leigh Fisher
I don't rate Fisher, I saw him pull out of contests at least 3 times last year, it wouldn't bother me so much if when he used the ball he didn't put the player receiving under tremendous pressure.

Deserves another year to develop
Brad Howard
Young bloke but had a couple of possies in the first NAB cup game and didn't panic, needs strength but at the moment he's at the bottom of the order for the class of 06.

Don't look up to it
James Gwilt
Has the skills, was played in a Key Position which I don't agree with, also lacks accountability and can look slow, if he wants it enough I believe he can make a player... however when I watch him play I doubt his motivation.
Matthew Ferguson
Showed some good signs last year but injury after injury would have to raise serious questions about the bloke.
Clinton Jones
The kid is a ball magnet but his skills are probably the worst I've seen since J.Daniels, I don't think theirs room for this in our modern game and that's where guys like the Clarke brothers and Gilbert really need to show improvement.

I could imagine Gehrig and Max retiring at the end of the season if the situation is right.

[saintspremiers]

smart move by the club trying to do it now......not because of all those worry warts that stress later in the year and post "why isn't Gram re-signed yet???"

But because we have a better chance of signing him up for less money now than later/or at the end of the season IF he plays really good footy and/or we win the flag.

Look at it as financial insurance.

[Armoooo]

Good to see, but I don't really get worried about this stuff, personally I believe that our core are in it for the long haul...

[Spinner]

Good to see, but I don't really get worried about this stuff, personally I believe that our core are in it for the long haul...

It would be funny if Armitage didn't extend his contract and moved North....Then you would have to worry about changing your Saintsational nickname.

[riccardo]

Its a very good thing.

Please extend for a very long time, Jason.

[Armoooo]

Good to see, but I don't really get worried about this stuff, personally I believe that our core are in it for the long haul...

It would be funny if Armitage didn't extend his contract and moved North....Then you would have to worry about changing your Saintsational nickname.

[saintbrat]

since this news broke approx 4 weeks ago about grammy there has been no confirmation as to the continuing of talks

BUt in the meantime
Lenny Hayes
Leigh Montagna
Jason Blake
and
David Armitage have all re - signed
and I reamin glad they are being tucked away early in the season.

so still to be clarified after being 'in discussion' Gram, Clarke X

several will no doubt wait till end of season- Max, Fraser, Gardiner M, Harvey R

http://www.saintsational.com/forum/view ... hp?t=34394
#22 Shane Birss = end of 2008
#44 Stephen Milne = end of 2008
#36 Jarryd Allen = end of 2008
#30 Brad Howard = end of 2008
#8 Max Hudghton = end of 2008
#15 Michael Gardiner = end of 2008
#6 Leigh Fisher = end of 2008
#18 Brendon Goddard = end of 2008
#1 Jason Gram = end of 2008
#33 James Gwilt = end of 2008
#3 Xavier Clarke = end of 2008
#21 Matthew Ferguson = end of 2008
#38 Clinton Jones = end of 2008
#9 Fraser Gehrig = end of 2008
#28 Charlie Gardiner = end of 2008
#42 Jarryn Geary = end of 2008 (?)( unknown but what is the go when elevatd from rookie list- 1 year or 2 as standard?

[matrix]

i reckon max will go again.
and i think he could really give it a good crack at squeezing out another season.
i mean christ he kept lloyd goalless didnt he?.
he could easily go again.

[Otiman]

i reckon max will go again.
and i think he could really give it a good crack at squeezing out another season.
i mean christ he kept lloyd goalless didnt he?.
he could easily go again.

It's more about his body than skill. If he doesn't miss a game for the rest of the year, he will play on.

[matrix]

well obviously its all about body.
id rather him not play every game and keep him nice and fresh come finals time (wouldnt bother me if he was rested against sides which we should romp over).
if we win a flag this year i reckon he might be off tho......be a very very fitting end to a legend bloke.
$100 right now says he'll go again IF he DOESNT do another major hammie this season.