Kirk the Millionaire

[DeadlyAkkuret]

THE inspired leadership of Brett Kirk has been recognised by the Swans with a lucrative seven-figure, three-year extension to his contract.

Kirk turns 31 this season and the multi-year deal, believed to be in excess of $1 million, reflects the esteem in which he is held at the club.

His contract takes him to the end of 2009, paralleling that of coach Paul Roos.

I for one think it's great that our Kirk is being recognized as a champion of the game, instead of just a 'gutsy in and under player', because he's much more than that.

I highlighted the part about his contract expiring the same time as that of Paul Roos, because i think it could be a significant year for Sydney if this turns out to be the case.

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[Young Blood]

3 years seems one year too long for a 30-31yo midfielder - even a very good one like Kirky. Perhaps a sign that we have reached the stage that we have to offer players longer contracts because we can't give them as much per season as they want/deserve?

[floppinab]

Originally posted by Young Blood
3 years seems one year too long for a 30-31yo midfielder - even a very good one like Kirky. Perhaps a sign that we have reached the stage that we have to offer players longer contracts because we can't give them as much per season as they want/deserve?

Yep was the first thought that came to mind, particularly the way he plays, hard to see him getting past 33. That said Kirk's made a career out of proving the doubters wrong.

I see that contract more as a reward for the last 2 or 3 years. Though this could be the start of salary cap issues that could prove problematic in a couple of years time though.

[satchmopugdog]

Will he be our next coach???? At the end of this contract will he follow in Roos footsteps. He's intelligent enough or will the lure of Byron Bay be too strong??

Hypotheticals...gotta love 'em

[Bloody Hell]

Originally posted by floppinab
Yep was the first thought that came to mind, particularly the way he plays, hard to see him getting past 33.

It's not like his game relys on blinding speed, kicking accuracy, leaping, agility...sight, hearing - he could play till he's 90, as long as his heart is still pumping.

[ROK Lobster]

Originally posted by Bloody Hell
It's not like his game relys on blinding speed, kicking accuracy, leaping, agility...sight, hearing - he could play till he's 90, as long as his heart is still pumping.

It does rely a lot on being able to get back up.

[SimonH]

Kirk is a 2-year contract guy. Because his pace is only just good enough for the modern game (and his foot disposal is even more marginal), when the end comes it will probably come quickly. The club should only have offered him a 3-year contract if it got a substantial discount on year 3-- which seems not to have been the case.

[DeadlyAkkuret]

Originally posted by SimonH
Kirk is a 2-year contract guy. Because his pace is only just good enough for the modern game (and his foot disposal is even more marginal), when the end comes it will probably come quickly. The club should only have offered him a 3-year contract if it got a substantial discount on year 3-- which seems not to have been the case.

You guys seem to have very little faith in the legs of one of our champion players. He'll prove you wrong though

[Justice]

Originally posted by SimonH
The club should only have offered him a 3-year contract if it got a substantial discount on year 3-- which seems not to have been the case.

You appear not to be considering the possible "veteran" aspect regarding the contract extension. In 2008 Kirk will be able to be listed as a veteran (depending on what happens with Michael O'Loughlin &/or Leo Barry - currently listed as "inside veterans").

If he is listed as a veteran then only half of his yearly contract is considered for the salary cap. Therefore, Sydney could been seen as having a "substantial discount".

Originally posted by floppinab

hard to see him getting past 33

You may be right. However, Kirk has played every game since round 16 in 2002 (the past 106 games straight) and appears very resilient and durable.

Cheers

Justice

[Old Royboy]

Despite the way Kirk plays the game, I think there is every chance he will last another 3 years. He did start very late ? was at teachers college in his early twenties when most footballers are battering their bodies.

All I see this as is a contract which will take Kirk to the end of his active playing career. I don?t see him as the type who would play on if he?s not pulling his weight to get contract dollars ? when the time comes he will pull the pin.

[Sanecow]

Being able to kick the ball straight is silly and old fashioned anyway.

[hammo]

I think 3 years is a risky proposition

[Industrial Fan]

Originally posted by Sanecow
Being able to kick the ball straight is silly and old fashioned anyway.

Is Hollywood Monfries the new coach??

Did I miss something?

[AnnieH]

Mmmmmmmmmmm.
What's the hippy gunna do with all those dollars?
Better hurry up if he wants a piece of Nimbin, I hear it's getting pretty pricey up there now.

[Gary]

I think Kirk has been a great clubman & a gutsy player...but I don't think this deal makes much sense.