Contract talks for TuckCaroline Wilson
September 1, 2011THE oft-debated future of veteran Shane Tuck at Richmond has taken a positive turn with the Tigers opening negotiations with the 29-year-old for a new one-year contract.
Richmond football boss Craig Cameron confirmed last night he had moved to re-sign Tuck after the defender had become out of contract by failing to play the required senior games to automatically remain at the club next season.
Tuck, who had been on the trade table in the past at Tigerland, had been widely tipped for a delisting at the end of 2011, given his lengthy mid-season period playing for Coburg. His contract with Richmond specified he play 16 senior games this season to automatically remain with the Tigers for 2012.
However, Tuck returned to the senior side for the clash with Geelong at Skilled Stadium in round 18 and has been among the Tigers' best for most games since then. In the recent words of coach Damien Hardwick: ''He's doing everything right.''
Before his 2011 fall from grace - and widely debated absence from the senior side - Tuck finished fifth in Richmond's Jack Dyer Medal last season, his fourth top-five finish since 2005.
Cameron said he had opened negotiations two days ago with Tuck's manager, Liam Pickering.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/contract-talks-for-tuck-port-signs-young-stars-20110831-1jm4c.html#ixzz1Wd1SYk29