No higher than 550k. Like if he wants 551k then no deal.
He is worth 450k but WT really need personalities who genuinely love playing for the Tigers and are a positive vibe around training. Apart from Lucey, Nofa and Douihi we don't really have those players so it's important we keep him. Paying him 20% overs while we are trying to make finals is reasonable imo
On the cold hard maths I had him at $380k base factory which includes your 20% but at whole of squad average standard.
The next step as you say, is what kind of adjustment we need to
a: keep him and his temperament on song
b: offer value against competitors and
Unfortunately, combat the “dykwia” thoughts getting into his head.
Now, people understand I’m neutral on Madge, but when he nominated Lucy as the core group, it’s pretty much a red flag to a bull for his management in terms of contract discussions.
Twas not advisable with the talks scheduled for now.
Coaches traditionally stay out of these things.
In these discussions, I would point out to Lucys spook, that Lucy himself said, he’s only just joined 80 minutes efforts.
550 is a very good deal for Lucy, I’m probably at 500 myself.
He might be entitled to a “bj bonus” for not following him into the oblivion of the whinge.