DUMPED CROW A ‘PERFECT FIT’ FOR TIGERSDaniel Talia’s hopes of receiving an AFL lifeline have received a boost with a handful of clubs — including Richmond — considering offering the former Adelaide defender a chance in 2022.
Talia, who turns 30 in October, was told by the Crows earlier this month that he wouldn’t get a new deal after knee and foot injuries kept him out for the entire season.
The one-time AFL Rising Star would still need to prove that his body was right to keep playing at the highest level.
But he is confident he has “more years left” and is getting on top of his issues, with his management fielding some early interest from clubs.
The surprise retirement of triple premiership defender David Astbury could potentially open the door for Talia at Richmond, with Fox Footy’s Jordan Lewis saying recently that the Tigers would be a perfect fit.
The Tigers will get Noah Balta back next season, but Talia could provide some extra insurance if he can overcome the injury doubts.
“From a Daniel Talia point of view, with the Astbury retirement, it seems to be a perfect fit if they wanted someone to strengthen their backine,” Lewis said on SEN recently. “To be a ready-made player and a lot of experience to give them another shot at the flag next year.”
Essendon could be another club looking for defensive cover after spending part of 2021 experimenting with its backline set-up.
Michael Hurley will return next season — potentially as a forward — after a debilitating hip infection left him on the sidelines for the entire season. Cake Hooker has retired.
St Kilda might also be in the market for an experienced defender following the retirement of James Frawley after his comeback was cut short by injury issues.
Talia would come cheap for a club prepared to take a chance on a footballer who was one of the game’s best defenders at his peak.
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