TRADE WATCH: WHY RIVALS EXPECT BUSY TIGERSThe Tigers loom as one of this year’s big list management stories.
Rival clubs spoken to by foxfooty.com.au this week expect Richmond to attack this year’s draft hard, considering the make-up of its list and recent draft history.
The Tigers have only had one top-15 pick in the past eight drafts: Josh Gibcus (Pick 9, 2021), who’s out for the rest of the season due to an ACL rupture. That’s because the Tigers were firstly in the midst of a premiership dynasty then, essentially, traded out of two drafts to land Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper from the Giants. So they need more top-end talent.
The Tigers, as it stands, have their natural first, second and third-rounders, as well as both of Fremantle’s second and third-round selections and three fourth-round picks.
It means they have options to either replenish the list with young talent, or trade those picks to point-needy sides.
And recruiters wouldn’t be surprised if the Tigers packaged up some of those second to fourth-round selections in an attempt to acquire earlier picks.
Then there’s also the possible compensation should players like Liam Baker (trade) or Jack Graham (free agent) look for another home.
WA product Baker has interest from both West Coast and Fremantle. While the Eagles, like Richmond, are expected to attack the draft considering their list position, the Dockers are expected to be busy at the trade table considering they’re loaded with three first-rounders. They’ve also been linked to Swans key forward Logan McDonald – another WA native.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/draft/afl-draft-prospects-2024-finn-osullivan-levi-ashcroft-among-top-10-players-fatherson-prospects-academy-stars-pick-trades/news-story/201ed8b934322fecc6c6cb3969f8e1ae
