Richmond forward Jake King in line for contract extension Jay Clark
From: Herald Sun
January 31, 2014 RICHMOND forward Jake King has a trigger clause in his contract that will likely extend the goal kicker's career at Richmond beyond this season.
The 29-year-old came under fierce public scrutiny after he was seen for a third time in six months with former bikie and mate Toby Mitchell.
But any threat the friendship posed to his career has all but diminished following strong backing from the club, which is powerless to stop the relationship outside the change rooms.
King's current deal finishes at season's end, but a previously unknown clause guarantees the forward an extra season in his contract if he plays 12 games or more this year.
It means despite the focus on his future, King will only have to play half the season in the seniors to secure a ninth season at the club in 2015.
Barring an unforeseen setback, the 105-gamer is exacted to again play a major defensive role in the forward line this year, helping apply defensive pressure around key forwards Jack Riewoldt, Tyrone Vickery and Shaun Hampson.
He was quiet in the Tigers' elimination final loss to Carlton last year, going scoreless for only the third time in the season, from one mark and 10 possessions.
Pressure on his spot could come from new recruit Ben Lennon and former Adelaide Crows' free agent, Chris Knights.
But only once in the past seven seasons has the popular teammate failed to play less than 12 games in a year.
Last year King notched 18 matches to finish 18th in the club's best and fairest.
http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-forward-jake-king-in-line-for-contract-extension/story-fndv8t7m-1226814267683
