Greater Western Sydney eyes Richmond spearhead Jack Riewoldt Neil Cordy
From: The Daily Telegraph
May 24, 2013 THE massive price tag on Hawks superstar Buddy Franklin is set to turn the attention of the GWS Giants to Richmond spearhead Jack Riewoldt.
The two time Coleman medallist is in the final year of a three year contract with the Tigers and is still yet to come to terms on a new deal.
With Riewoldt currently earning an estimated $550,000 per year the attraction of live wire forward is an obvious one with Franklin's earning potential roughly twice that amount.
While the Giants wouldn't comment on Riewoldt both CEO David Matthews and chairman Tony Shepherd have made no secret of their desire to attract a high profile key forward.
In the still growing AFL market of Sydney and NSW the attraction of players like Tony Lockett and Barry Hall has been a proven success.
Riewoldt has shown himself to be a charismatic and emotional performer who could easily capture the imagination of the Sydney sporting public.
The record low crowd of 5,830 fans that turned up to Skoda Stadium for the Giants round seven match against the Crows has increased the urgency for the AFL's newest team to land a drawcard as soon as possible.
Opening the door for the Giants is the fact the Tigers have committed a large slice of their salary cap to re-signing their group of elite midfielders including captain Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio and Dustin Martin.
Deledio re-committed to Richmond last year on a five year deal and skipper Cotchin and the powerful Martin are currently in negotiations to extend their stays at Punt Road, as is Riewoldt.
Added pressure on the Tigers salary cap is also coming from the fact they have just one player Chris Newman on the veterans list.
With only three GWS players Tom Scully, Phil Davis and Callan Ward on big money the Giants could afford to pay Riewoldt between $700,000 and $800,000 per season.
GWS would need to trade for Riewoldt because he is still one season away from reaching restricted free agent status but they are likely to have plenty of currency to make a deal.
As well as a rich crop of talented youngsters they look destined for another number one draft pick their first win still looking a long way away.
Some of Riewoldt's critics including former Swan coach Paul Roos have questioned his attitude but the 24 year old's record is very impressive even when measured alongside Franklin's.
He currently leads the AFL's goalkicking list with 27 goals while Franklin has 20.
Both players have won two Coleman Medals, Reiwoldt is the reigning champ after kicking 65 goals during the home and away season last year and winning the award in 2010 with 78.
Franklin won in 2008 and 2011.
The Richmond full forward has kicked 289 goals from his 120 matches at an average of 2.4 per game and Franklin has chalked up 550 goals from his 175 matches at a return of 3.1 goals per game.
In an interesting twist Riewoldt and Franklin are both managed by Liam Pickering who didn't return the calls of the Daily Telegraph.
http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/greater-western-sydney-eyes-richmond-spearhead-jack-riewoldt/story-fndv8lf1-1226649509043#mm-bre
