AFL trade period day two: Catch up on all the latest moves
Richmond has traded players like Dan Butler and Oleg Markov for late draft picks, but parting ways with Jack Higgins is another story. Get all the latest trade moves and whispers.
Richmond is keen to retain skilful half-forward Jack Higgins but would likely broker a trade if he declared he wanted to be a St Kilda player.
The Saints have declared they have an interest in the versatile Richmond mid-forward but are yet to receive a trade request from the No.17 pick in the 2017 national draft.
The Tigers believe Higgins will continue to improve given his pace and raw talent as he continues to blend his instinctive football with an understanding of the team system.
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But they are in a position where they would not block a request if he decided he wanted to move elsewhere.
He has played 43 games in three seasons despite undergoing brain surgery last year, including 10 this year on his way back from that complicated procedure.
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Richmond seems certain to secure father-son recruit Maurice Rioli Jr in December’s draft to add to their stock of busy pressuring forwards.
But the Tigers believe there is no reason Higgins, 21, can't break into the midfield and command a starring role next year or continue as a clever half-forward.
St Kilda has pick 17 and then 64 and 77 as its next picks, so would need to find a selection in between if it did trade for Higgins.
Saints footy boss Simon Lethlean said the club had engaged in talks with Higgins’ manager.
“We’ve only had discussions at the early stages that we are keen on Jack as a player,” he told SEN.
“But he’s contracted and hasn’t given any significant indication to us or to the Tigers that he wants to come to the Saints.
“There’s a lot of speculation about that one, but given he’s under contract that’s really with the Tigers to consider. That’s very early days that one.
“We’ve had discussions with his management, but it’s not at the stage where he’s told the Tigers he wants to leave.
“He’s under contract and I think he’s a pretty well regarded player at the club. So the speculation is further down the road than the conversations.”
Originally published as AFL trade period day two: Catch up on all the latest moves