Anthony Miles to weigh up future at Richmond or become a delisted free agentJAY CLARK,
Herald Sun
21 October 2017RICHMOND will attempt to recontract forgotten onballer Anthony Miles to help maintain a deep midfield for its premiership defence next season.
Miles, 25, faces a big decision whether to explore his options as a delisted free agent over the next fortnight or re-sign a one-year deal at Punt Rd.
The clearance specialist finished fourth and sixth in Richmond’s best and fairest counts in 2015-16 but played only five games as the Tigers stormed to the premiership this year.
It is understood the Tigers are keen to keep Miles to help maintain midfield coverage for superstars Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin.
Geelong has also offered out-of-contract forward Daniel Menzel another one-year contract, after raising minimal interest in the AFL trade period.
Miles’s hard-nosed ball winning is certain to benefit developing teams who are looking to boost their clearance capabilities next season.
Miles has said he would strongly consider switching clubs for more senior opportunities.
The hard nut has continued to produce top numbers in the VFL, averaging 32 disposals and 15 contested possessions a game, and was best on ground in the Tigers’ VFL preliminary final win over Box Hill.
However, at AFL level his production dipped to 19 disposals, nine contested possessions and three clearances. He also averaged four tackles a game this year.
Brisbane Lions, who lost onballer Tom Rockliff, Gold Coast and West Coast have all been linked to Miles, and will have to declare their hands over the next week.
Essendon and Carlton also finished bottom-two for clearances this year.
The Suns are also expected to make a move for North Melbourne former captain Andrew Swallow, who is determined to join his brother, David, at Gold Coast.
To find a new home, Miles would have to rebuff Richmond’s offer before looking to sign a new contract elsewhere.
Possible delisted free agents
Top 10 prospects
Anthony Miles (Rich)
Ben Sinclair (Coll)
Sharrod Wellingham (WC)
Jackson Merrett (Ess)
Kade Stewart (Haw)
Jake Batchelor (Rich)
Nick Graham (Carl)
Tom Lamb (WC)
Tom Ruggles (Geel)
Nathan Drummond (Rich)
Miles’s agent, Marty Pask from i50, said the Tigers have indicated they wanted to retain Miles, saying he was still a valued player there.
“I don’t think it’s a situation where he can’t return (to Richmond),” Pask said.
“It’s certainly been pretty amicable and clear if there was a better position for you than the one you find yourself in, we’re not going to hold you back.
“But at the same time, we love you, you won our reserves’ best and fairest, which says a lot about your character as well.
“All that plays in to the fact that he’s probably only one player out of the side at the moment.”
The North Albury product is eyeing a third AFL club after initially starting with Greater Western Sydney, before an instantly successful move to Tiger land where he quickly became a key midfield cog, playing 23 and 19 games in 15-16.
However the acquisition of Dion Prestia in last year’s trade period took Miles’ onball spot.
Then flawless seasons from Cotchin and Martin meant there was little room for Miles in Richmond’s healthy midfield division this season.
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