Lions see Jack Riewoldt as priority target by: Greg Denham
From: The Australian
July 26, 2013 BRISBANE has targeted out-of-contract Richmond key forward Jack Riewoldt as a priority recruit.
Riewoldt has been sounded out by several clubs and is yet to re-sign with the Tigers after baulking at the initial terms of a new deal.
The Lions, who have expressed their willingness to retain veteran co-captain Jonathan Brown for at least another season, are believed to have held discussions with Riewoldt's agent, Liam Pickering.
Brisbane is yet to put its best offer to Riewoldt.
However, the Lions are well aware that Riewoldt, who will earn $550,000 this year at Punt Road, is seeking a substantial pay increase following three years as Richmond's leading goal kicker with 78, 62 and 65.
With few quality key forwards to be on the market at the end of the season, Brisbane has identified Riewoldt as its first-choice target after recently withdrawing its interest in Hawthorn restricted free agent Lance Franklin, who has been offered a potential five-year $5.5 million deal to remain with the Hawks.
The Lions have not struck a consistent winning formula with their key forwards since their glory years when Brown, Alastair Lynch and Daniel Bradshaw combined to win eight premiership medals.
Brisbane unsuccessfully attempted to replicate the achievements of the well-credentialled trio when it recruited Brendan Fevola to team with Brown and Mitch Clark.
Fevola was sacked after his first and only year with Brisbane in 2010. Clark left for Melbourne after his final season with the Lions in 2011 when he kicked 27 goals in 17 games.
Despite the present stalemate in negotiations, Richmond remains optimistic of retaining Riewoldt, who has also been linked to a cashed-up Fremantle.
Coach Damien Hardwick warned yesterday his club may have to sacrifice better players whose financial demands are too high, as Richmond's performances and player depth improved.
"Previously when we were a struggling club, we had to keep the talent and pay them accordingly," he said. "Now we're at the stage where we've got to manage our salary cap better -- it's a fine balancing act."
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/lions-see-jack-riewoldt-as-priority-target/story-fnca0u4y-1226685247948
