Jai Bednall wrote:Tigers keep Backwell, lose Hinge
BACK: Brett Backwell has signed a 12-month contract to stay at the Tigers.GLENELG midfielder Brett Backwell has signed on for next season, but the Tigers have all but given up hope of keeping utility John Hinge.
Onballer Chris Hall is also weighing up his future as the departures at the Bay continue to mount.
Glenelg football operations manager Ken Applegarth said Backwell signed a 12-month contract on Wednesday, but is yet to start training with the club.
``I’m not sure what the arrangement is between him and (coach) Mark (Mickan) as to when he starts training,’’ Applegarth said.
``But he has committed for next year.’’
Hinge, meantime, could be headed to the Tigers’ preliminary final conqueror Sturt.
``He’s still a required player here,’’ Applegarth said.
``But we’re under the impression he won’t be playing at Glenelg.
``The only club we’ve heard from so far is Sturt.’’
Hinge missed most of the second half of last season with a broken ankle.
He returned in time to play finals but couldn’t force his way in to the League side and played with the Reserves.
Sturt football operations manager Duane Massey said the Double Blues had asked for permission to begin discussions with Hinge and were confident of ‘’getting him across’’.
Hinge is the latest Tiger to exit Gliderol Stadium, following best and fairest winner Adam Fisher and young small forward Tom Holmes.
Midfielder Lucas Block is also weighing up his future and expected to make a decision by the end of the month.
And Applegarth suggested Hall is far from a certain starter because of work commitments.
``He’s still in negotiations with us as to his availability for 2010.
``He signed a two-year contract when he joined this season so he’s still got a year to run but he’s having trouble with work.
``It’s up in the air at the moment.’’
Applegarth said the Tigers were actively searching for a replacement for Fisher but could wait until the AFL Rookie Draft before making a signing.