RICHMOND hasn't approached the Geelong Falcons to research a young player in four years, Falcons manager Michael Turner says.
The revelation comes as the Tigers eye Falcons captain Ben Cunnington with their first pick (third overall) in next month's National Draft.
Turner said recruiters from the other 15 clubs had either regularly attended Falcons training sessions or maintained contact with himself or Falcons coach Garry Hocking.
He said Richmond's tactics had stunned him given the Falcons were the most drafted team in the history of the TAC Cup competition.
The Falcons reared seven of the 22 players recently picked in the Herald Sun's TAC Cup team of the century.
"For an AFL club not to contact a TAC Cup club who are the most drafted in Australia, and probably the most successful, I find quite astounding," Turner said.
"They (recruiters) can come down on a Thursday night, talk to our staff, see how we run the program to hopefully give them a bit of confidence. They get to see the kids training, see how the kids act - it just gives them a bit more insight."
But Richmond said it went around the former Cat great to complete its recruiting homework.
"A recruiting representative from Richmond was present at every Geelong Falcons game during 2009 and our recruiting staff have spoken to several players throughout the year," Tigers communication manager Judith Donnelly said.
Richmond is considering Cunnington with pick three in the draft.
Cunnington, 18, captained Victorian Country at the under-18 National Championships this season, won all-Australian selection and finished runner-up in the TAC Cup league best and fairest.
Turner has described him as the most professional player he has seen in his time at the club.
The Tigers last drafted a Geelong Falcon when they rookie listed Nathan Foley in 2005.
http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2009/10/16/112571_geelong_sports.htmlGee, a bit of a worry if this is true.
The comment about Cunnington is interesting as most of the talk seems to be on Martin, assuming Melbourne take Scully and Trengrove.
Cheers
Al