David HardingAker checks out Magpies' nest
September 15th 2010 03:05
Sourced: The Mercury - The Voice of Tasmania
By Adam Smith
AXED Western Bulldog Jason Akermanis is a step closer to lining up for Glenorchy in the 2011 Tasmanian State League after a positive meeting with club officials at KGV.
The three-time premiership star and 2001 Brownlow medallist with Brisbane cast his eye over the Magpies den yesterday and was impressed with what he saw.
An outspoken and controversial figure which led to the Bulldogs sacking him in June Akermanis would be a major drawcard for the TSL.
He would be the first Brownlow medallist to play in the state since former Collingwood great Albert Collier 80 years ago.
Given the TSL's salary cap is $65,000, Glenorchy needs a lucrative sponsorship package to land the 33-year-old.
However, the fact he took time out from his commitments in Melbourne shows Akermanis is seriously considering becoming a fly-in player for the Magpies.
"They have been really good to deal with. This is a professionally run club, fantastic surface and I've always said there are not a lot of people who can come to Tassie and help footy and if that's me, so be it," Akermanis said.
He believed he could help give the club a boost.
"We've got a few things to work out but I'm happy with what I've seen today. I've got a few little minor things we need to discuss," he said.
"If you are prepared to get on a plane and come down ... that says a lot about whether I'm serious or not. I probably can't make it [a decision] absolutely until December."
The biggest carrot for Akermanis, a radio presenter and columnist, is the possibility of expanding his media work in Tasmania.
He also confirmed if he accepts a deal he will play as many matches as possible.
"If I'm going to do it I'm going to do it full bore. I've get to get my body right to be able to play again at this level.
"I've always had many thoughts on the game, not just playing but off it.
"I love talking about football and to give me that avenue would be why Tasmania would be good."
Akermanis and Glenorchy president Steve Allie declined to reveal the finances required to secure a deal.
Allie remains confident the club can land the 324-game veteran, and is happy to sit tight until the end of the year.
"The meetings were quite fruitful. Obviously we are not in a position to sign on the dotted line because Aker has his media commitments in Melbourne to sort out," Allie said.
Any off-field sponsorship package will need to be ratified by AFL Tasmania.
By Adam Smith
AXED Western Bulldog Jason Akermanis is a step closer to lining up for Glenorchy in the 2011 Tasmanian State League after a positive meeting with club officials at KGV.
The three-time premiership star and 2001 Brownlow medallist with Brisbane cast his eye over the Magpies den yesterday and was impressed with what he saw.
Home hunt: Jason Akermanis takes a look around Glenorchy facilities with club president Steve Allie. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES
An outspoken and controversial figure which led to the Bulldogs sacking him in June Akermanis would be a major drawcard for the TSL.
He would be the first Brownlow medallist to play in the state since former Collingwood great Albert Collier 80 years ago.
Given the TSL's salary cap is $65,000, Glenorchy needs a lucrative sponsorship package to land the 33-year-old.
However, the fact he took time out from his commitments in Melbourne shows Akermanis is seriously considering becoming a fly-in player for the Magpies.
"They have been really good to deal with. This is a professionally run club, fantastic surface and I've always said there are not a lot of people who can come to Tassie and help footy and if that's me, so be it," Akermanis said.
He believed he could help give the club a boost.
"We've got a few things to work out but I'm happy with what I've seen today. I've got a few little minor things we need to discuss," he said.
"If you are prepared to get on a plane and come down ... that says a lot about whether I'm serious or not. I probably can't make it [a decision] absolutely until December."
The biggest carrot for Akermanis, a radio presenter and columnist, is the possibility of expanding his media work in Tasmania.
He also confirmed if he accepts a deal he will play as many matches as possible.
"If I'm going to do it I'm going to do it full bore. I've get to get my body right to be able to play again at this level.
"I've always had many thoughts on the game, not just playing but off it.
"I love talking about football and to give me that avenue would be why Tasmania would be good."
Akermanis and Glenorchy president Steve Allie declined to reveal the finances required to secure a deal.
Allie remains confident the club can land the 324-game veteran, and is happy to sit tight until the end of the year.
"The meetings were quite fruitful. Obviously we are not in a position to sign on the dotted line because Aker has his media commitments in Melbourne to sort out," Allie said.
Any off-field sponsorship package will need to be ratified by AFL Tasmania.
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