West Coast’s sluggish approach to re-signing their rejuvenated star midfielder might prove costly, as a rival club has offered $1.3 million for a single year.
Elliot Yeo, who has made a stunning return to top form, has received lucrative offers to leave West Coast, including a $1.3 million offer for 2025 alone. According to Seven Perth’s Ryan Daniels, Adelaide is leading the race for Yeo, who has struggled with injuries in recent years, limiting him to just 37 games over four seasons.
Adelaide has proposed a $2.7 million, three-year deal, heavily front-loaded with $1.3 million to be paid next year. In contrast, West Coast’s offer is a modest two-year contract for much less money.
Initially, Yeo sought a two-year deal, but West Coast’s delayed negotiations have increased his market value. The Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph noted last month that Yeo would likely have accepted a two-year, $1.1 million deal. “All of a sudden, he might have to sacrifice seven or eight hundred thousand dollars to stay. I just reckon they (the Eagles) could’ve done it better,” Ralph said on Fox Footy’s On the Couch.
Geelong and Essendon showed interest in Yeo last year, and while Yeo prefers to stay in the west, he might explore other options unless West Coast improves their offer.
However, West Coast could still benefit from Yeo’s departure. As an unrestricted free agent, his exit could yield an end-of-first-round draft pick as compensation, despite his age.
MID-SEASON DRAFT PROSPECTS CONFIRMED
Over 120 players have been confirmed for the mid-season draft on Wednesday, May 29. Nominations are still open, but 127 players have been approved, including several with previous AFL experience. Notable names include Trent Bianco (ex-Collingwood), Kyle Dunkley (former Demon), Brynn Teakle (ex-Power), and Flynn Perez (former Kangaroo). Other prospects include Arlo Draper (ex-Collingwood), Jez McLennan (ex-Gold Coast), and Osca Riccardi (ex-Geelong). Additionally, notable players like Kai Windsor, Peel Thunder’s Jacob Blight, and Geelong Falcons’ Joe Pike are also in the mix.
