GWS ADMITS RICHMOND A “LITTLE BIT SHORT” SO FAR IN HOPPER OFFERBy Andrew Slevison
SEN
4 October 2022GWS Giants GM of football Jason McCartney says there is still a bit to be worked out with Richmond in regards to Jacob Hopper.
The Tigers officially landed Tim Taranto from the Giants for picks 12 and 19 on Monday and now have their sights set on his midfield companion Hopper.
The difference in the deals is that Hopper, 25, is contracted for 2023 so the Tigers will have to come to the party in terms of a trade.
McCartney admits the two clubs have not yet come to an agreement given that Richmond so recently gave up two high picks for Taranto.
“Richmond have been really proactive and positive about what they’ve got and what they’ve put forward, so that’s a good starting point,” McCartney said on AFL Trade Radio’s Trade Exchange.
“We just feel there is a little bit of work to go and we’ve got a fair bit of time to see what we can be added to the current deal.”
That deal as it stands is this year’s pick 31 and a future first-round selection which McCartney says is a “little bit short”.
“That’s all they’ve got left obviously,” McCartney added.
“Everyone would understand that once that future first goes out, unless something else is coming in, the futures can’t be touched.
“So that’s what remains. That would feel to be a little bit short for a player of that quality and Richmond understand that.
“It’s really assessing, once again, a number of other deals that are going on and what potential opportunities can be involved there to strengthen that.
“We do need to give consideration to players as well.”
Richmond ruckman Ivan Soldo has been linked with the Giants, given their apparent shortage in that position, and McCartney admits he is a player of interest.
“It’s been talked about a little bit about Ivan,” he said.
“There’s something there, we’ll do some follow up there, there’s no doubt about that.
“We need to do some follow up on a number of options so just so we’re ready to go. If you’re going to facilitate a deal on a contracted payer, you don’t want to be scrambling in the last couple of days.”
Is McCartney confident a deal will be done? Or could Hopper still remain a Giant?
“He’s a wonderful player, there’s no doubt about that,” he said further.
“He does have a year to run. We’re mindful that he has requested that opportunity to go and play at the Richmond footy club.
“We’ll work through to facilitate what the best deal is for our football club if there’s a deal to be done.
“Richmond have been really good in their conversations around this.”
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2022/10/04/gws-admits-richmond-a-little-bit-short-so-far-in-hopper-offer/
