Brisbane Lions half-back Josh Drummond has denied reports he demanded a substantial pay rise to stay at the struggling club.
The Maroochydore product, who is out of contract, said yesterday he would like to stay at Brisbane and is negotiating a new deal with the Lions.
Drummond, 27, who missed most of this season with a knee injury, was reported to have demanded up to $450,000 a season to stay with the Lions.
However, he said the reports were far from accurate, with his management and the Lions beginning negotiations only recently.
“I’ve been here my whole career and I don’t anticipate leaving but the whole process takes time,” he said.
“There have been some articles written about me going but it hasn’t come from my end or my manager’s end.
“I read some incorrect stuff that was absolute rubbish.
“I had only just started speaking with my manager and I had no idea what was going on.
“I’m not demanding anything.
“It sounded like I just wanted money or I’ll bugger off.
“It was a long way from the truth.
“I was pretty disappointed with it all.”
Drummond underwent radical reconstruction surgery on his left knee after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in round seven this year.
It was the worst of a long list of injuries he has sustained during a promising yet injury-plagued six-year career.
Drummond was fit to play the last two rounds of the year.
However, he opted not to after consulting Lions coach Michael Voss and medical staff after the Lions’ finals hopes were extinguished.
With a full pre-season to look forward to, Drummond said the club was confident of taking big steps forward next year.
“It couldn’t get any worse personally with being injured this year,” he said.
“As a whole group we had a few too many injuries.
“With everyone up and going we can play some good footy. We showed that in the first few rounds.
“But the injuries meant that a lot of young guys could step up and hopefully we can reap the rewards of that next year. It’s something to look forward too.”
Drummond will travel to China next month for the Shanghai Showdown against Melbourne but is unlikely to play.
Article written by Travis Meyn for the Sunshine Coast Daily.
Last Modified on 17/09/2010 09:55