Interstate rival targeting Richmond free agent as Tigers aim to bolster draft position: AFL trade news
Richmond free agent Jack Graham is reportedly attracting interest from interstate clubs ahead of the off-season, while the Tigers aim to enhance their draft position by November.
Graham is among many senior Tigers players without a contract beyond this season, including Dustin Martin, Dion Prestia, Dylan Grimes, Toby Nankervis, Ben Miller, and Kamdyn McIntosh, who are all eligible for free agency. Additionally, Liam Baker, Thomson Dow, Maurice Rioli, Jack Ross, and Rhyan Mansell are also off-contract this year.
The club faces a challenging start to the Adem Yze era, with injuries limiting Richmond to just one win heading into Round 8. Holding Pick 3 in this year’s draft, the Tigers might consider entering a rebuild phase and accumulating draft capital through off-season departures, or they could focus on retaining players and strengthening their roster.
According to 9 News, the Tigers will face a battle to retain Graham, who is drawing interest from West Coast. The two-time premiership player may struggle to secure a consistent midfield role when Richmond is fully fit, given the injuries to Prestia, Jacob Hopper, Tim Taranto, and Ross, while Thomson Dow and Tyler Sonsie are key future players.
West Coast could offer Graham a significant role in their developing midfield, leveraging his experience within a young core. A free agency move for Graham would likely provide Richmond with draft compensation, adding to their current 2024 draft assets.
Baker is also reportedly on the radar of West Coast and Fremantle, with the versatile player considering a return to Western Australia. If Baker departs, the Tigers could receive substantial compensation, potentially including at least one first-round pick.
The Dockers currently hold three first-round picks for 2024, while West Coast aims to secure players without relinquishing their top five draft pick.
9 News reports that Nankervis, Rhyan Mansell, Maurice Rioli, and Samson Ryan are expected to re-sign with Richmond, leaving Baker and Graham as key avenues to bolster their draft hand.
Richmond currently holds two second-round selections and three third-round selections for this November’s draft, with the possibility of packaging these to increase their number of top 20 picks.
Teams like Adelaide, Carlton, Brisbane, and Gold Coast might be looking to trade some of their early selections due to linked father-son and Academy prospects demanding a first-round bid.
Currently, Richmond’s draft picks are: 3, 23, 31, 41, 42, 49, 59, 65, and 70 across four rounds.
