I was just musing with a buddy (pun partially intended) of mine about life after 2022.

Bud’s mega deal is done.

But - hear me out - what if Bud isn’t completely shot. He might only play 50-60% of the matches in the final 2 years of his current contract, but the lighter workload makes it manageable for him. What if he’s still kicking 2-3 a game (that he plays in), drawing the best 1-2 defenders, taking the load off the developing LoMac (you heard that terrible nick name first right here!).

Now, let’s say Bud reaches the end of 2022 and the Swans development has fast tracked beyond expectation. Bud‘s bod, surprisingly, Is holding up. He’s enjoying his footy and the club and his teammates. And says “Horse, I want to go around and other year ... maybe 2. I realise I’ve been paid overs for 9 years, especially those last few. But I’m enjoying my footy again. I see something special happening here. How about I sign one year deals on a greatly reduced rate ($200-300K?) so I can keep playing without being a weight on the cap and not have the expectation week in week out. I’ll play when I can. But you now have freedom to recruit another marquee player and we can hopefully all enjoy the success you recruited me for”

Would such a deal work? Would you want it as a Swans supporter?