The RFC responds with this article:
Tigers’ list in good shape for the now and the futureTo suggest it’s a case of all or nothing for Richmond in 2023 is way off the mark.
By Tony Greenberg
Richmond Media
2 November 2022There is a view being expressed by sections of the AFL football media that Richmond has “sold the farm for one last flag crack”.
Such opinion is based on the Club’s recruitment of star midfield pair Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper from Greater Western Sydney during the recent trade period, with both players receiving seven-year deals at Tigerland.
The criticism of Richmond’s list-management strategy is uninformed.
Just a little bit of research by those media members would reveal that the Tigers secured five young players in the top 30 of last year’s national draft – Josh Gibcus, Tom Brown, Tyler Sonsie, Sam Banks and Judson Clarke.
Three of those talented Tiger cubs – Gibcus, Sonsie and Clarke – debuted at AFL level during the 2022 season, along with Bigoa Nyuon and Noah Cumberland, while Brown and Banks showed plenty of promise at VFL level.
All five of the 2021 draftees have had their playing contracts extended, in a clear sign of how highly rated they are within the Club.
“We made an investment in the draft last year and it’s good to get those guys locked away long term,” Richmond’s general manager of football talent Blair Hartley said on the post-season special episode of the Club’s Talking Tigers podcast.
“They’ve all shown great signs and they’re important to our future.
“We’re looking forward to what they bring us next year . . .
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1243960/tigers-list-in-good-shape-for-the-now-and-the-future