Twist could send Zantuck into draft
22 October 2004
Herald Sun
Mark Stevens
TY ZANTUCK has almost certainly played his last game at Richmond – even though he still has one year of a contract to run at Punt Rd.
In a twist to the Zantuck saga, the rugged defender could yet find a new home via the national or pre-season draft.
Although the Tigers would not comment on Zantuck's future yesterday, it is understood they are happy to move on without him.
It is believed the Kangaroos head the list of clubs still interested in the 22-year-old. Essendon could be another option to re-start his career.
Zantuck would have been at Windy Hill had the Tigers and Bombers not been 30 seconds late with the paperwork on the final day of trade week.
For any move to come off, both Zantuck and the Tigers must agree to part ways.
Zantuck's contract would be terminated and he would be delisted. He would then have the option of nominating for either or both drafts.
But Zantuck would not lose out financially.
It is understood Zantuck could soon receive an offer from a rival club to pay out the final year of his contract and pick him up in the draft.
In that case all parties will win: Zantuck will find a home where he is wanted and the Tigers will move their unwanted man on without having to pay out his contract.
It is not a breach of the rules provided Zantuck and Richmond come to an arrangement.
It would be a similar case to Sean Wellman walking away from football with a year to run on his contract at Essendon.
But under the rules, the Tigers cannot negotiate a deal with a rival club – that is the domain of trade week.
All negotiations must be confined to Zantuck, his management and his suitors.
Zantuck's manager Anthony McConville last night said any talk about the move remained hypothetical.
"This scenario could happen with any contracted player, to be honest. He's no different," McConville said.
But McConville hinted the ball was in the Tigers' court.
"He's contracted. That's where it stands at this point of time," McConville said.
"Outside of that, decisions will have to be made from Richmond.
"A club and player could come to an arrangement to leave the door open to be picked up in the national or pre-season draft – not that it has happened in the past."
Zantuck managed 14 games last year for a career total of 68. He lost his way as the Tigers claimed the wooden spoon, struggling with on-field discipline.
The Kangaroos were the first to show interest in Zantuck during trade week, but no deal could be struck.
Essendon came in late, but missed getting Zantuck – who was on holiday in New York as the drama unfolded.
When the deal fell through, Tigers football director Greg Miller made it clear Zantuck had wanted out.
"You've got a player who doesn't want to play for Richmond and wants to play at Essendon and he's with Richmond now," Miller said at the time.
"That's unfair for the player, I guess. Essendon should've moved a bit earlier. It was Ty who wanted to leave us."
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