Obviously we had been keen to negotiate a two-year contract for Jeff but when Collingwood came in with a four-year deal our hand was forced somewhat. We never wanted to lose Jeff to another club, but we certainly did not want to risk losing him for nothing.
We are happy that he will be playing with Melbourne for the next three years. Jeff has made it very clear where he wants to play his football and wants to continue to be part of where this group is headed.
We are naturally delighted to have signed Jeff to a new contract,
We know that Jeff received lucrative offers from other clubs. Jeff was keen to remain at Melbourne and hopes to be part of something special over the next few years,
We know that Jeff received lucrative offers from other clubs,