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Trade talk: Dons free agent halting O'Brien deal
SEN • June 3rd, 2025 10:51 am
Adelaide ruckman Reilly O’Brien has reached a stalemate in contract negotiations with the Crows according to *SEN’s *Tom Morris.
At this stage, Morris says the Crows have offered the unrestricted free agent a two-year deal for less money than O’Brien was hoping for.
While the deal has been on the table for the 29-year-old to sign for some weeks now, Morris says O’Brien is holding to see if the Crows can increase their offer.
If they don’t, then there’s no doubt the 133-gamer has a big decision to make this off-season.
“He's holding out because he believes he's worth more than what Adelaide has offered,” Morris said on SEN Breakfast.
“They've put forward a two-year deal. It's been on the table for several weeks now.
“For whatever reason, it's not the money, nor the tenure that he would like as the number one ruckman.
“So, he's just waiting and he's hoping that the Crows can increase their offer.
“If they don't, then there's a decision to make at the end of the year.”
Morris believes one reason why Adelaide isn’t currently budging on their O’Brien offer is the pending free agency decision of Essendon ruckman Sam Draper.
The Crows are reportedly keen on luring the unrestricted free-agent 26-year-old back home to South Australia this off-season, and while he appears more likely to stay at Essendon than leave, securing Draper could see O’Brien relegated from the number one ruck position.
“Looming large over all of this is Sam Draper,” Morris said.
“The Crows think he is more likely to stay at Essendon, but he hasn't made his mind up or hasn't signed yet at the Bombers either with that 4-year deal.
“There is still a bit to play out here, but Reilly O'Brien's happy to run the gauntlet hoping he can get a better deal at the Crows.
“But if not, then there’s a decision to be made at the end of the year.”
O’Brien has played all 12 games this year for the Crows who sit third with an 8-4 record. He ranks second in total hitouts this season, averaging 37.3 a game.
