We don't want Aker: Wallace
4:05:12 PM Sun 25 June, 2006
Ben Wise
Sportal for afl.com.au
Richmond coach Terry Wallace has ruled out the Tigers trying to capture the services of controversial Brisbane Lions star Jason Akermanis for next season.
Speaking at the Coburg Tigers clash against the Box Hill Hawks on Sunday, Wallace said that it is simply not worth Richmond deviating from its policy of developing a side to chase the signature of Akermanis - who was fined $5000 this week by Brisbane for bringing the club and the game into disrepute.
"I have no issue with Jason, knowing him a little bit in the past and I have no issues with him as person. But personally, no, I don't think it's a pathway the Richmond football club are going down," Wallace said.
With Akermanis' manager Ricky Olarenshaw admitting on Saturday that the Brownlow Medalist is only a 50-50 chance of remaining with Brisbane to see out his contract - which expires at the end of the 2007 season - Richmond was one of the clubs, along with Melbourne, the Bulldogs and Sydney, who have been linked with signing him.
But Wallace dispelled any speculation that Richmond was considering a move for the fiery 29-year-old, declaring that it is simply not in line with his and the club's vision for the future of the Tigers.
"To get Jason to your club considering that he's got a 12 month contract, he's not going to come in the secondary draft, he's going to come via you having to give away selections in the national draft," he told 3AW.
"Where we are going as a football club is we're developing and growing a list and we are not prepared to give away any high selections to bite that - little own the financials that would come with that as well."
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