Star forward Jack Riewoldt on Fremantle's radar

FREMANTLE has joined the race to sign Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt.

Jack Riewoldt

FREMANTLE has joined the race to sign Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt.

The dual Coleman medallist is in the Dockers' sights to fill the void left by power forward Matthew Pavlich when he retires.

After failed bids to secure forwards Mitch Clark from Brisbane two seasons ago and Travis Cloke from Collingwood last year with multi-million dollar deals, it is understood Fremantle will escalate its bid for Riewoldt if he leaves the Tigers.

But Riewoldt is not a free agent and if he wanted to depart Richmond, an acceptable trade deal would need to be negotiated. He has played 127 senior games and booted just over 300 goals since his debut in 2007, but has often been lambasted for his petulant behaviour and unacceptable on-field antics towards Tiger teammates.

The Dockers also made an early bid to lure Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin back home to WA.

But Franklin, 26, looks destined for a switch to Greater Western Sydney on a record AFL financial package predicted to be in the region of $12 million over six years.

Dockers powerbrokers have continued a sweeping search for a power forward in their succession planning for the eventual loss of Pavlich.

Riewoldt, 24, is out of contract at the end of this season and has been locked in negotiations through his high-profile agent, Liam Pickering, who also handles Franklin's affairs.

Riewoldt, the reigning Coleman medallist with 65 goals last season, is asking in the region of $750,000 a year in a new deal. He could want even more to switch interstate.

He has set his high price on the back of Tigers first-year captain Trent Cotchin settling a deal in May at about $800,000 a season for the next two years.

It is understood the Tigers are at least $150,000 a year short of what their trump forward wants and is certain to attract at another club.

Freo's offer is enticing, at near his asking price and for four years and some top-end Dockers are believed to be willing to restructure their contracts to help entice the Tiger.