Balmey's comments:
Townsend"We would love for Jacob to remain at Richmond and he knows there is a spot for him at the club," football manager Neil Balme said.
"He is well within his rights as a delisted free agent to look for new opportunities and should they arise, we will support his decision."
AFL.com.au reported earlier this week Townsend had met with Sydney and undergone a medical at the club last Friday.
Townsend told the website in Grand Final week he didn't want to leave the Tigers after playing in their 2017 premiership win, but he remained realistic about his future.
"I love Richmond so if there was a deal here I'd probably take it, I love all the boys and it's been pretty well documented how tight we are as a bunch," Townsend said on September 28.
"At the end of the day, you have to look after yourself but players are on AFL lists to play AFL footy and boys I'm pretty close mates with might have to change clubs for more opportunities,"
"That's just the industry."
Chol"Mabior has shown promising signs over the past three seasons and the club will consider its options over the coming weeks," Balme said.
Drummond"This was a difficult decision for the club to make. We have no doubt Nathan will forge a successful career in whichever path he decides to take," Balme said.
"I really feel for Nathan, he has had a rotten run with injuries.
"He has suffered two serious knee injuries since joining the AFL system and has struggled to consistently play football.
"He has always held his head high and been the ultimate professional, even when he was going through tough patches."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-10-31/premiership-hero-townsend-among-three-tigers-cut
