Advertisement

Pyke adamant Jenkins contract standoff won’t become a distraction

Adelaide hope to secure sought-after forward Josh Jenkins on a fresh AFL deal in the near future.

Jun 21, 2016, updated Jun 21, 2016
Don Pyke has a quiet word with Josh Jenkins. Photo: Michael Errey, InDaily.

Don Pyke has a quiet word with Josh Jenkins. Photo: Michael Errey, InDaily.

Crows coach Don Pyke says talks are ongoing with Jenkins, who falls off-contract at season’s end.

Jenkins has kicked 37 goals in a breakout season, with rival clubs circling the 27-year-old.

“We are trying to avoid it becoming a distraction,” Pyke told reporters this morning as the Crows prepare to take on North Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night.

“I’m not going to talk in detail about contracts, that is not our method… the conversations are ongoing. Josh is really clear in terms of he’s a required and wanted player at the footy club. He has really made some great strides.

“And he has indicated that he’s really keen to stay.

“So those two things add up to a player who is wanted and player who wants to stay… hopefully we can get something concluded in the near term.”

Adelaide powerbroker and Brownlow medallist Mark Ricciuto today dismissed claims he was using his influence as a commentator to lower Jenkins’ price tag.

Several of Ricciuto’s fellow commentators at Fox Footy have said Jenkins isn’t worth the reported $750,000 a year on offer from rivals.

“For anyone out there that thinks I have got a beef with Josh Jenkins, they are wrong,” Ricciuto told his Triple M radio program.

Ricciuto, who is Adelaide’s football director, said he wanted Jenkins to sign a new contract.

“Josh Jenkins is doing a fantastic job at Adelaide. He has improved rapidly ever since he came to the club, not just in the last 12 months, but in the last few years,” he said.

“I love what he’s doing … and I would love him to stay.”

-AAP

Local News Matters
Advertisement
Copyright © 2024 InDaily.
All rights reserved.