Adelaide Crows offer almost $3 million three-year deal in bidding war for West Coast veteran Elliot Yeo

Out-of-contract Waalitj Marawar (West Coast) star Elliot Yeo is set to become the centre of a bidding war, with multiple AFL clubs hunting his signature. Adelaide have been the most aggressive in pursuit of the two-time All-Australian, tabling an offer believed to be around $2.7 million spread over three years — front-ended with a massive $1.3 million-dollar first season. Discussions with the Eagles on a new deal have failed to progress, with the offers believed to be for just two years and far less money than the opposition clubs are offering. Waalitj Marawar had been hesitant to lock in their two-time John Worsfold Medallist during the pre-season because of his injury history, which has seen Yeo play just 37 games combined in the previous four seasons. However, the midfield bull has rediscovered his best form with an outstanding start to 2024 that has seen him average 24 disposals, five tackles and 7.6 clearances per game this season. He also claimed the Glendinning-Allan Medal for best-on-ground in his side’s Round 7 western derby win. A number of sources have stated while there is no bad blood between the parties involved, Yeo will potentially need to choose between loyalty or a major financial windfall when it comes time to put pen to paper. If West Coast were to lose the 30-year-old to a rival club, they would likely receive compensation from the AFL in the form of a draft pick, however it would likely be at an end of first round selection because of the veteran’s age. Eagles coach Adam Simpson said earlier this month the club had a contract on the table for Yeo, joking that it was “in his pigeon hole.” “We’re working through that, but from all reports he wants to stay, and we want to keep him so I’m hoping that’s just a matter of time,” he said. Yeo has missed the past two weeks with a groin injury after playing his 200th game against Essendon in Round 8, but is expected to return against the Crows on Sunday in Adelaide.