by Lisa Albergo, reporting for AFANA from Chicago
Mal Michael, who told the Lions in early October that he wanted to retire, has done an about face, saying he wants to return to football. To that end, he has already signed a two year deal with the Essendon Bombers. The Dons have committed to selecting him in the preseason draft. However, the move has infuriated Brisbane and the Lions have called on the AFL to block Essendon's bid.
Michael still had one year to run on his Brisbane contract, but the club did not pay him out and thus the Bombers and Michael believe the Lions have no claim on him. Both Michael and Essendon CEO Peter Jackson claim that had Brisbane paid out the final year of his contract and had they put in clause denying him permission to play elsewhere, then it would be an issue. However, Brisbane CEO Michael Bowers claims that Essendon's move to secure Michael less than two months after he "retired" sets a dangerous precedent for the future with the potential to create "absolute anarchy" and destroy the fabric of the draft system.
Michael said at a press conference that he was probably more "sick of Brisbane the city than the Brisbane Lions" and wanted to come back to Melbourne where he began his career with Collingwood. He went on to say that watching the thrilling Grand Final this year re-ignited his desire and that Essendon's training schedule would give him more scope to pursue his other interests, such as assisting with the foundation named for him in his native New Guinea.
The AFL said it would investigate the matter, but Jackson says the club had already consulted AFL Investigations Officer Ken Wood prior to signing Michael and received the go-ahead.
Although Brisbane is not paying out Michael's playing contract, Michael has contacted the club, he did agree to a two year contract to serve as an ambassador for the club in Victoria and New Guinea. And he contacted the Lions to ask for a $50,000 advance payment for that ambassadorial work just days before notifying the Lions that he was going to nominate for the preseason draft to play for Essendon.
Essendon is assured of securing Michael in the preseason draft as Carlton, who has the first selection, has already committed to former Saint ruckman Cain Ackland. Essendon has the second selection which they will use on Michael.
Source: alf.com & Melbourne Age
Article last changed on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 - 8:03 PM EST
