New club firms in race for Tigers ruckmanSam Landsberger, Jon Ralph, Glenn McFarlane & Jay Clark
HeraldSun
15 September 2021A tall Tiger appears almost certain to be relocating north next season, with the close proximity of his family expected to rule fellow suitor St Kilda out of the race.
Gold Coast has emerged as the frontrunner for Richmond ruckman Mabior Chol, who is likely to settle on his second AFL club by the end of the week.
The Herald Sun can reveal the Suns have offered the 24-year-old a three-year contract with a trigger for a fourth season.
The Tigers cannot match that security and are about to ramp up their efforts to retain Callum Coleman-Jones with the expectation that Chol will walk as an unrestricted free agent.
It is unlikely the Tigers would offer Chol a contract longer than two seasons, given he has managed 31 games in six seasons.
They also have 2019 premiership ruckman Ivan Soldo on track to return next season.
At the Suns, Chol would team up with budding superstar Ben King as key forwards who can also relieve Jarrod Witts in the ruck.
They desperately need more ruck support after Stewart Dew was forced to coach without one as Witts, Zac Smith and Matt Conroy went down early.
The project player from South Sudan represented Queensland in juniors after his family relocated to Brisbane in 2005.
Chol’s family now lives in Shailer Park, which is halfway between Gold Coast and Brisbane.
The Herald Sun has confirmed that Essendon is not in the market for Chol, despite reports suggesting he would land at Tullamarine.
Chol’s Wikipedia page wrongly states that he is already a Bomber.
But the Suns are not quite across the line to secure the 198cm player who possesses a big leap.
St Kilda has also hotly pursued Chol as it plans for life after Paddy Ryder, who is likely to retire next season.
Chol’s choice is likely to be revealed next week and his exit from Punt Rd would not require the Tigers to broker a trade.
The Saints and Suns are still jostling for his services and have not been told to expect his signature.
Chol played in 10 out of the final 11 games for the Tigers, kicking four goals against Brisbane Lions in Round 18.
He spent 82 per cent of gametime in the ruck and just 18 per cent forward.
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