Tigers land Prestiarichmondfc.com.au
October 19, 2016 2:12 PMRichmond has secured talented midfielder, Dion Prestia from the Gold Coast Suns on a five-year contract, in exchange for pick six in this year’s National AFL Draft, and Richmond’s future second round selection in the 2017 Draft.
The Club also receives the Suns’ second round selection, no. 24 in the 2016 Draft as part of the deal.
The out-of-contract midfielder nominated Richmond as his preferred destination at the end of the 2016 home-and-away season to continue his football career.
The 24-year-old was drafted to the Gold Coast Suns with the Club’s first round selection (no. 9 overall) in the 2010 National AFL Draft, he has played 95 games and kicked 30 goals in his six seasons at the Suns.
In the 2016 home-and-away season, the inside midfielder averaged 25.9 disposals (10.4 contested), 5.4 tackles, and 4.2 clearances per game.
Richmond’s General Manager – Football Talent, Dan Richardson said the Club is thrilled to secure Prestia to Tigerland.
“We identified Dion earlier this year as a player that we wanted at our football club, he’s a power runner, highly competitive and impacts games significantly,” Richardson said.
“Dion’s management made it clear to us that he was keen to return to Victoria to be closer to his family, and we’re really pleased for our Club that he chose Richmond as his preferred destination.
“At 24 years of age, Dion has many years of good football ahead of him, he’s also a person of great character, and being vice-captain at the Gold Coast Suns, he has great leadership qualities also.
“We thank both the Gold Coast Suns and Dion’s manager, Marty Pask for their cooperation in getting the deal done, and we look forward to seeing Dion running around in the Yellow and Black very soon.”
Dion Prestia will speak to the media at approximately 3.45pm on Wednesday afternoon.
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2016-10-19/tigers-land-prestia-jrz
