Recruits get chop in Bulls’ flag tilt

Mt Barker Football Club president Gordon Reid says his club will comply with the new WA Football Commission salary cap rules, announcing the coach and six of its travelling players will return for a tilt at the Great Southern Football League premiership this season.

The Bulls have confirmed coach Shane Thompson will stay at the helm after a period of speculation, with the introduction of the salary cap constraints resulting in the club letting five players go from its grand final team.

Bulls president Gordon Reid confirmed top recruits John Lee, Nic Chidgzey, Daniel Dalby, Ty Miller, Adam Tissott and Tyson Sujdovic would return to add to the recruitment of former East Fremantle and East Perth midfielder Kym Monteath.

However, grand final players Brenton Edwards, Steven Spencer, Adam Leed, Blake Taylor and Paul Talbot-Smith have been let go as the club opts for more local recruits.

Reid said the salary cap rules meant the club would only be able to play four of the seven Perth-based players a match to go with the nabbing of North Albany stars Daniel Parker and Matt Smith and former Royals and Borden midfielder Corey Byrne and brother Jake.

He said the club had liaised with the WAFC about its recruitment plans and fitting within the salary cap, with no player allowed to be paid more than $500 a match and the team total capped at $3000 a match.

“The quality is there as we have the pick of the players from last season plus Monteath, who comes with a high recommendation,” he said. “We have to have them on a rotation basis.”

Reid said the club was aiming for long-term sustainability and the recruitment of players from within the region was identified as the way forward.

“That’s where the club is at; we want to be able to field a local team,” he said.

“As far as the club is concerned, these local guys are the future of the club.”

The Bulls will have to contend with the loss of youngsters Cameron Quenby (Claremont), Jordon Reid (Geelong Falcons) and veteran Michael Wright, who has lodged a clearance to North Albany.