BRISBANE forward Josh Schache has reassured the Lions he will return to play for them next season if a trade to a Melbourne-based team can’t be struck.
Schache’s hopes of moving home to Victoria hinge on Richmond reviving the long-held interest in him or 11th-hour bids from Carlton, Hawthorn or Western Bulldogs.
The Lions remain hopeful a deal will still be completed, but they may have to accept a late first-round or second-round pick in return for the second-year goalkicker.
Schache’s manager, David Trotter, said there was no ill-feeling towards Brisbane and that his client would certainly honour his contract.
“All parties are working hard on getting a deal done and certainly Josh is very hopeful of playing in Melbourne next year,” Trotter said.
“If that doesn’t happen he will be happy to see out his contract in Brisbane next year.”
The Tigers were the most keen on Schache throughout the season but their interest cooled significantly, in-line with Schache’s form, in the second half of the year.
Richmond is now adamant it will take its two first-round picks to the national draft, in part, to claim father-son midfielder Patrick Naish.
Collingwood, Essendon, St Kilda and North Melbourne have all ruled themselves out of the race for the Seymour product.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/brisbane/josh-schache-will-play-for-brisbane-if-trade-to-melbournebased-team-cant-be-struck/news-story/9d89b6bc3c026cab376abdda885733ae
