Watson: Tigers should trade DeledioGilbert Gardiner
Herald Sun
August 1, 2016FORMER Essendon champion Tim Watson says Richmond should follow St Kilda’s rebuild blueprint and trade experienced forward Brett Deledio.
The Saints made the bold decision to part ways with star midfielders Nick Dal Santo (North Melbourne) and Brendon Goddard (Essendon) to make room for exciting draft prospects.
St Kilda also traded Ben McEvoy to Hawthorn in exchange for pick 18 later used to recruit big-bodied midfielder Luke Dunstan.
“I think (Deledio) got potential to do what Goddard did and Dal Santo did in terms of what St Kilda did in their rebuild,” Watson said.
“They’re going to have to make some really tough decisions and I think one of the decisions that they should look at is (Brett) Deledio.
“And I think that can be a win-win for the club.
“You have that (trade) conversation with (Deledio) because you’ve got to have respect for your players and I believe there is a two-way respect there between Deledio and Richmond.”
Deledio has played just 11 games this year battling quadriceps and calf injuries.
“He’s got the ability to attract attention, get an earlier draft pick to be able to give themselves the opportunity to get some more talent into the football club,” Watson told SEN.
“And for Deledio then, it’s the opportunity for him to go to a club where he might have some success.”
Watson said all but three Tigers should be “fair game” on the trade table including skipper Trent Cotchin.
“I wouldn’t put Dustin Martin on the table, I wouldn’t put (Alex) Rance on the table. I wouldn’t put Jack Riewoldt on the table, I think everyone else might be fair game.”
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/tim-watson-says-richmond-should-trade-brett-deledio-to-fast-track-its-list-rebuild/news-story/f2b18dea78c1a94d0071587e43c00451