Bevan's surprise bid for AFL return
Perth captain and Sydney premiership defender Paul Bevan has set recruiting tongues wagging by nominating for tomorrow's national draft with financial stipulations.
The 29-year-old has spent the last two years in the WAFL after previously playing for the Swans for nine seasons and 129 games, including the 2005 premiership.
He kicked 55 goals for Perth in 2013 to finish runner-up in the competition's goal kicking while playing as a forward and midfielder.
He booted six goals and had 27 possessions in round three, then followed it with seven goals from 22 touches in round 11.
Bevan also represented WA and was vice-captain of the team that upset the VFL.
Players rarely stipulate financial terms when nominating for the draft. It is normally done after agreeing to a contract with a specific club.
Clubs were yesterday discussing whether Bevan had been encouraged to nominate so he could either bolster a premiership contender's list, or join a lower team where his experience and leadership would benefit the squad's development. He has stipulated any contract must be for two years.
Bevan has links with several AFL coaches.
Fremantle coach Ross Lyon worked as an assistant coach with the Swans when they won the flag and Dockers assistant Brett Kirk captained the club.
New Melbourne coach Paul Roos also has strong knowledge of Bevan's game and his former club Sydney have lost a large group of experienced players since the end of the season.
There was speculation last night that the Western Bulldogs had shown interest in Bevan during the season.
But Bevan told _The West Australian _ that he hadn't received any promises and he was nominating in the hope that his strong 2013 would give him one last chance at AFL football.
