Jason Winderlich will never play for Essendon again, hoping to continue career with Richmond Jon Ralph
Herald Sun
October 07, 2014 9:00PMJASON Winderlich has told Richmond he will never return to play at Essendon, jaded by the continued uncertainty over the supplements affair.
The Tigers are urging the Bombers to release the 29-year-old from his contract so they can sign him on a one or two-year deal.
They believe Essendon would get some free agency compensation from that scenario, but none if they refused to release him and he retired.
As recently as two weeks ago Winderlich had told Essendon he would play on but he has reversed that decision.
He did not take part in the supplements affair and is not prepared to through a 2015 season which could see Essendon players sanctioned by ASADA.
Richmond football boss Dan Richardson confirmed Richmond’s interest but said they would not trade for the classy half forward.
Winderlich’s management is investigating what it would take to see Essendon willingly releasing him from that contract, which would expedite his move to the Tigers.
St Kilda last year released Nick Dal Santo from his Saints contract to make him a free agent, securing pick No.25 as compensation.
The Bombers’ compensation would be less than that — or potentially nothing — but given he has ruled out a return to the Dons it is their best hope for a draft pick in return.
Winderlich has always been close with coach James Hird but his exodus from Essendon is directly linked to the dramas that have sucked the fun from football from so many in the playing group.
Hird said on Tuesday in an update to members he still hoped to retain Winderlich.
“We would love to keep Jason and love for him to be at the club. Jason is a very much-loved player at the club so he’s one we will talk through over the next couple of days and see where he is at. We would love him to stay.”
Winderlich kicked 15 goals from his 16 games this year as a dangerous forward and given their list profile the Tigers are willing to take a risk on him.
Richmond is aware of Winderlich’s durability issues but believe he fills a key hole with his pace and forward-line class.
They will continue to go to the draft with their early picks and say recruiting Winderlich does not add expectation to next year.
Rather, they need quick players and will go and find a player they could give them two years of solid service.
The Tigers are keen to retain their many tall players including Tyrone Vickery and Ben Griffiths and are ruling out trades for them.
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