Daniel Rioli contract with Richmond delayed by CBA hold-upDaniel Cherny
The Age
30 May 2017The unresolved collective bargaining agreement negotiations have delayed a new contract for Richmond livewire Daniel Rioli.
While Rioli, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is expected to sign a fresh deal with the Tigers, it's understood that greater certainty is wanted around the specifics of the CBA before a deal is agreed to.
Rioli's manager Paul Koutoufides is on record saying the goalsneak has no intention of looking for another club, while Richmond are showing no signs of concern that the talented forward won't stay at Punt Road.
Taken at pick 15 in the 2015 draft, Rioli, who turned 20 in April, has played every game for the Tigers this year after making 18 senior appearances in his first season. The youngster's high-tempo style of play has been among the highlights of Richmond's remodelled game plan, with Rioli and fellow small forwards Jason Castagna and Dan Butler drawing plaudits for their pressure in attack.
Rioli kicked 13 goals in 18 games last year, and has 11 majors from 10 games in 2017 – including a goal of the year contender against West Coast in round three – although his output has dropped in recent weeks, with Rioli kicking just one goal since round seven. He is also averaging just under 11 disposals a game.
The nephew of Hawthorn champion Cyril, Tiwi Islands product Daniel has been touted by coach Damien Hardwick as a genuine midfield option in the long-term.
Rioli is among a host of players whose contracts have been held up by the CBA talks. Among those out-of-contract players who have attributed the CBA delay to their decision not to re-sign are Adelaide key defender Jake Lever, Gold Coast skipper Steven May and Port Adelaide's Jasper Pittard.
Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro also told a club podcast recently that the timeline for re-signing key players such as Joe Daniher, Darcy Parish and David Zaharakis had stretched out because of the CBA. While talks between the AFL and players association have been inching closer to a conclusion in recent months, an agreement remains elusive.
The Tigers are also desperately trying to keep superstar free agent Dustin Martin, whose playing future has been among the hottest topics of the season.
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