Out-of-contract Adelaide Crows veteran Daniel Talia has opened up on his current contract situation at West Lakes.
The All-Australian defender has committed to the Crows, expressing that his preference is to stay, but has admitted that there has been no offer to play beyond the 2021 season.
“Nothing hard (new contract) has been put in front of me yet. I think all those decisions will be made after the year." Talia told SEN SA Breakfast.
"I’m sure the club will give me some more information as the year ends."
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After spending the entirety of the 2021 season on the sidelines with groin and foot injuries, Talia has remained solely focused on recovering to 100% despite being an unrestricted free agent at the years end.
“I’m just trying to go about it in the best way I can and get as fit as possible – and I think that’s what the club want to see. I’m certainly doing everything I can to be as fit as I can towards the end of the year," Talia added.
At his best, the 29-year-old is an Australian calibre player, able to take the assignment of the oppositions key forward. He has been sorely missed throughout the season, with the Crows losing six of their last eight games prior to their win over the Hawks.
A fully fit Talia inserted back into the side will help in the development and growth of a young defence, having left vice-captain Tom Doedee to lead a young backline.
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“I imagine by the time they make that decision I’ll almost be at full fitness. That’s my goal – trying to make it as hard possible for them not to re-sign me... I’m not looking elsewhere at the moment. I’ve been pretty clear with the club about wanting to stay and they know where my headspace is at," he said.
“It’s a decision based on what they want to do with their list and whether they want me around or not. That’s where the situation is at at the moment.”
Talia is one of a number free agents that Adelaide need to decide are a part of their long-term plans, including big names Matt Crouch and Tom Lynch.
Crouch is understood to have been tabled an offer by the Crows for next season and beyond.