ARE OPTIONS running out for Tayla Harris?
Talks have broken down between the out-of-contract star key forward and Carlton, and there doesn't appear to be many – if any – clubs who have both the ability and willingness to meet her $150,000 asking price.
That figure is a compilation of the standard tier-based salary, and additional marketing payments, a common arrangement for top players in the NAB AFLW competition, although rarely reaching that figure.
Womens.afl has so far confirmed that Geelong, Fremantle, North Melbourne and Richmond will not be pursuing Harris in the upcoming Sign and Trade Period, which kicks off next Monday at 12pm.
There also does not appear to be an option to return to Queensland to play AFLW, with Brisbane and Gold Coast also confirming they will not register an interest in the 24-year-old.
At her best, Harris can tear apart a game with her combination of contested marking and long kicking, but seriously struggled (along with Carlton) in 2021, averaging 6.0 disposals, 2.0 marks and a total four goals from eight games.
INDICATIVE DRAFT ORDER Your club's picks ahead of the Sign and Trade Period
In 2020 with the Blues qualifying for a preliminary final before the cancellation of the season, she averaged 10.4 disposals, 3.7 marks and eight goals from seven matches.
With expansion looming on the horizon, clubs expect the upcoming Sign and Trade Period to be a relatively quiet edition, meaning there simply aren't many tier one (two players) or two (six players) spots available on lists.
Harris' camp is now faced with a dilemma – lower the asking price or sit out this season and focus on the dual-sport athlete's successful boxing career.
EPISODE GUIDE
1.45 – What is Tayla Harris' next move and is she worth the asking price?
9.00 – Liv Purcell set to move from Geelong to Melbourne
10.20 – Can the Cats lure Chloe Scheer across from Adelaide?
12.30 – The gun Tiger likely to head to Collingwood
13.20 – St Kilda reportedly puts a mega deal in front of an Adelaide star
16.30 – An underrated Giant who could become a Bulldog
19.30 – Who will be the top pick in the Victorian pool of the NAB AFLW Draft?
