KEEP, TRADE OR FAREWELL: MAKING A CALL ON YOUR CLUB'S OUT OF CONTRACT PLAYERS: RICHMONDAndrew Slevison
SEN
3 August 2023Note: The Tigers won’t have to be too ruthless with delistings given Jason Castagna and Robbie Tarrant already retired, and the likelihood that Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt will follow suit.
Jacob BauerThe 2022 mid-season rookie draftee earned an AFL debut in Round 17 after consistently impressive VFL form.
Is expected to pen a two-year deal with the Tigers.
Verdict: Two-year deal
Kaelan BradtkeTaken as a rookie, Kaelan Bradtke only joined the club in February.
Given Jack Riewoldt is entering his twilight, the Tigers need some youth pushing through under Tom Lynch in the key forward ranks.
Verdict: One-year deal
Seth CampbellAnother rookie draftee, selected in the 2022 draft.
Seth Campbell has been restricted by an adductor injury this year and should be given more opportunities.
Verdict: One-year deal
Mate ColinaThe former college basketballer continues to nurse a back injury.
Mate Colina hasn’t had many chances to prove himself and he’s a project player who would cost little, so the Tigers might as well stick with him.
But just as easily, they could end the experiment and no harm would be done.
Verdict: Rookie list spot
Matt CoulthardThe 2023 mid-season draft selection will undoubtedly get another deal.
Matt Coulthard debuted in Round 19, impressing as a second-half sub in Richmond’s win against Hawthorn before getting minutes against Melbourne on the weekend.
Possesses speed and smarts which could go a long way at the elite level.
Verdict: One-year deal
Trent CotchinThe three-time premiership captain is nearing the end.
Cotchin has been a superb player over 16 years but his form has dropped off in 2023, apart from a few games.
It all be a sad day but the time has come for ‘Cotch’ to hang them up.
Verdict: Retirement
Thomson DowThe midfielder was drafted with pick 21 in 2019 but it hasn’t quite gone to plan.
Dow has played just 14 times at AFL level and it appears as though his fate is much the same as fellow former first-rounder Riley Collier-Dawkins who was delisted after four years and 11 games.
The 21-year-old Dow has played just once for the senior side in 2023 and it appears as though his future does not lie with the club.
Verdict: Delisted
Jack GrahamLooked around at Port Adelaide last year but opted to stay put.
The premiership midfielder has been solid in recent weeks after some indifferent form in the middle of the season.
The Tigers could quite easily extend Jack Graham beyond 2023, but they could also look at using him in a trade if they want to try and lure a key forward to Punt Road.
But the likelihood is that Graham will stay a Tiger.
Verdict: Extend or look to trade
Rhyan MansellRhyan Mansell’s versatility surely lands him another deal for 2024.
He was effective as a pressure forward earlier in the campaign, while he set the scene with his ferocious attack on the ball off half-back against Melbourne last weekend.
The 23-year-old appears to be the type of player the Tigers would like to keep on their list.
Verdict: One or two-year deal
Kamdyn McIntoshThe two-time flag winner has played every game as a winger in 2023.
Now 29, Kamdyn McIntosh is one of the more experienced players at a club that could yet lose Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt to retirement.
McIntosh continues to play an important role and should go around again in 2024.
Verdict: One-year deal
Marlion PickettAnother premiership player on Richmond’s list.
Marlion Pickett found himself in hot water with the law stemming from a burglary investigation back in Western Australia. The Tigers stuck by him through that and he has only missed one game this season.
Pickett has had some big moments in 2023 and should be kept on at least for one more year.
Verdict: One-year deal
Bigoa NyuonThe key position player has been on the list for four seasons, playing once at AFL level in 2022.
Bigoa Nyuon has been a dependable defender in the VFL while also spending time in the ruck and up forward.
His athleticism, aerial ability and 197cm frame should be enough to warrant a short-term deal despite his lack of senior footy.
Verdict: One or two-year deal
Hugo RalphsmithHugo Ralphsmith’s speed and dash has been used mainly off half-back or on the wing.
There is enough there to work with and after 32 senior games might just need some continuity at the top level.
The 21-year-old has AFL attributes and could be of interest to a rival club if the Tigers were looking to use him in a trade.
GWS were reportedly keen last year when the two clubs were negotiating about Jacob Hopper. The pull from Giants coach Adam Kingsley, who worked with Ralphsmith at the Tigers, could be real.
Verdict: Extend or trade
Jack RiewoldtSimilar to his premiership teammate Trent Cotchin, the end might have come for Jack Riewoldt.
He has played a selfless role in 2023 without Tom Lynch by his side, frequently copping the opposition’s number one defender and working tirelessly for the team.
After almost 350 games and more than 780 goals, Riewoldt will walk away as a modern day Tigers great.
Verdict: Retirement
James Trezise
The VFL product was added to the senior list via the 2023 mid-season draft.
He has impressed as a rebounding defender at the level below the AFL and should be given another shot on the list.
Verdict: One-year deal
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/08/02/keep-trade-or-farewell-making-a-call-on-your-clubs-out-of-contract-players1/