Brett Deledio – Market ValueBy Sarah Lucken
footyprophet.com
September 20, 2016Player Name: Brett Deledio
Current Club: Richmond Tigers
Potential Club: While Deledio remains contracted for 2017, his manager Anthony McConville refuses to comment on where the 29-year-old will be playing football next year. Clubs which are either in their premiership window or looking for experienced players would be interested in Deledio. The two most likely seem to be Geelong and Gold Coast, but we may see some interest from GWS once their maiden finals campaign is over.
The original price: Richmond paid a premium for Deledio, using selection number one – a priority pick – in the 2004 National Draft to snare the ex-Murray Bushranger ahead of Hawthorn’s Jarryd Roughead and the Bulldogs’ Ryan Griffen.
The Good: There’s a whole lot of good about Brett Deledio. So much so that Richmond would be loathed to lose him. From a playing perspective, he’s quick, he has an excellent kick and he hits the scoreboard. Versatility sets him apart; While he could be utilised anywhere from half-back to half-forward, his most dangerous position is the latter. Off the field, he’s a leader, the vice-captain of the club and a dual Jack Dyer medallist.
The Bad: Prior to 2014, it would have been hard to find the bad side of the consummate professional. However, injury struck early in the 2014 season and he hasn’t been the same since. Niggling Achilles and calf injuries have plagued the last three years of his career, limiting him to just 48 games in that period and hindering his output when on the field.
What his club wants: Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has stated that the Tigers top-end talent won’t be traded when the trade period opens on October 10. However, should Brett Deledio be traded, the club would look for draft picks in return. Recruiting mature age players hasn’t worked for them in the recent past, so the option to get more quality young talent into the club will be strongly considered. The fact that Dion Prestia has requested a trade to Richmond may peak some interest.
What he’s worth: A number one draft pick with the talent and credentials of Brett Deledio will still attract a lot of interest, regardless of his age. Richmond should be able to demand a first-round draft selection for him.
What we’d pay: A late first-round selection, around Pick 15-18.
Possible trade scenarios: Richmond trade Brett Deledio to Geelong for Steve Motlop.
Richmond trade Brett Deledio, Pick 6 and a second-round draft pick (to be acquired in trade period) to Gold Coast for Dion Prestia and Pick 8.
The Verdict: Richmond really needs to decide where they’re at as a club before they know which direction they’re going to move in when the trade period comes around. Are they going to target quality young talent through the draft while making some hard decisions on veterans along the way? Or are they going to continue to top up with mature age players? The decision with regards to Brett Deledio may well be taken out of their hands if the vice-captain requests a trade.
Star Rating: 4.5/5
If he’s even a little bit disenfranchised with Richmond, Brett Deledio could well be on the move.
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