Five trade targets for every AFL team: Richmond TigersMitch Keating
zerohanger.com
July 23, 2024Richmond has emerged as a fascinating watch ahead of this year's trade, free agency and draft space as they near the end of their first season under coach Adem Yze.
Currently holding Pick 1 for this year's AFL Draft, the Tigers could significantly add to an already strong draft hand should they lose several senior cogs and premiership stalwarts through the player movement space.
While the imminent draft additions will go a long way in their pursuit to return to the top end of the ladder, the Tigers will likely look to the current crop of players in the AFL who could aid their plans from 2025 onwards through trading.
So who might be in the Tigers' sights this off-season? We've named five potential trade targets for Richmond to consider...
1. Jai CulleyThe former Mid-Season Draft Pick 1 selection remains without a contract at West Coast with five games left in the season and Saturday's appearance against the Saints was just his second at AFL level for the year.
Injuries have taken their toll on the Dandenong Stingrays product, who returned from an ACL injury in Round 13 before facing further setbacks in just his second full season with the Eagles.
His uncertain future in Perth could spark some intrigue from clubs in his home state who are keen to add to their midfield stocks without paying a high price, and Richmond could be one club to show some interest.
Given the potential loss of Liam Baker to the Eagles, Culley could be a 'steak knives' addition in negotiations to potentially get a deal over the line.
Culley himself could look to grow into the role Baker has held under Adem Yze this season, roaming across half-forward and through the middle when relied upon.
2. Elijah TsatasIf the suggestion that rivals could come calling for the former Pick 5 draft star is true, then Richmond should be right at the front of the queue.
The Tigers are likely to hold a strong draft hand during the off-season, especially if they lose the likes of Liam Baker, Daniel Rioli, Dustin Martin and Jack Graham.
Should all four depart, and potentially Dion Prestia also, then the Tigers will be in need of midfield talent and will have the draft capital to chase emerging players as well as the ability to attack the top end of the draft.
Baker's potential departure could see Richmond handed a pick in the middle of the first round, which could be passed on to Essendon for Tsatas as he struggles to find consistency at senior level.
It would be a significant decision for Essendon to consider however, but will need to assess where Tsatas sits in their midfield pecking order and what value they'll get for the teenager in 12 months' time should he remain on the fringes.
3. Dan HoustonMuch like Tsatas, if recent trade speculation surrounding Houston grows stronger, then Richmond should be among the clubs looking to take advantage of the situation.
The All-Australian defender won't come cheap, but the Tigers could have the pick(s) needed to satisfy the Power while also holding their opening selection for this year's count at the very least.
And with the number of potential roles available in midfield at Punt Road from 2025 onwards, could the Tigers offer Houston a role in the centre of the field to complement the contested ball-winning nous of Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper?
Houston wouldn't get in the way of the development of Richmond's young midfielders either as he can return to his more traditional role in defence as part of his rotations.
4. Will PhillipsA cheaper midfield option similar to Culley, with Phillips also unsigned beyond this year and unlikely to come at a large cost despite joining North Melbourne four years ago as a top-five draft selection.
The Roos onballer has struggled to have an impact on both sides of possession this year, with most of Phillips' best performances coming in a lockdown role under Alastair Clarkson.
The long list of Kangaroos midfielders ahead of him could lead to Phillips assessing his options beyond this year as his contract nears its expiry, with a club like Richmond perhaps among the keen contenders to look at his services.
5. Ash JohnsonAway from midfield options, Richmond may look toward adding some spark to their forward half through cheaper trade avenues.
Adem Yze has plenty to work with in his key position stocks but is yet to have his side at full strength, with Noah Balta likely viewed as a tall forward rather than a defender as the Tigers hope to have Josh Gibcus and Tylar Young join Ben Miller in the backline come Round 1 next year.
The other end of the field should see Tom Lynch, Samson Ryan, Jacob Koschitzke and Balta all contend for spots, but the arrival of Johnson could add some depth in attack and allow Balta to move back when required.
The athletic and high-leaping Magpie isn't off-contract this year, but could assess his options away from Olympic Park as he struggles to break into a struggling Collingwood outfit.
https://www.zerohanger.com/five-trade-targets-for-every-afl-team-richmond-tigers-153248/
