Nathan Broad close to re-signing with Richmond but futures of Shaun Grigg, Bach Houli unclear
RICHMOND premiership defender Nathan Broad is close to re-signing with the club but the futures of two veterans and a handful of emerging players remains unclear as the Tigers look to lock in its priority signings of the 15 players out of contract.
Richmond
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NATHAN Broad is closing in on a two-year deal at Richmond.
The Tigers defender is set to put pen to paper on a fresh contract soon, with both parties finding common ground in recent days.
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Broad’s signature would come as Richmond ramps up work behind the scenes on a playing list that has 15 players out of contract.
The futures of premiership veterans Shaun Grigg and Bachar Houli is unclear, while fringe players Corey Ellis, Connor Menadue, Anthony Miles and Oleg Markov are unsigned.
Reece Conca, Sam Lloyd and Shai Bolton are also without deals for next year.
Yet the swag of out-of-contract players works in favour for a club in the market for free agent superstar Tom Lynch. Collingwood and Hawthorn have also been linked with the hulking Gold Coast forward.
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The Hawks remain active in free agency discussions despite landing several big targets in recent seasons.
But Tigers figures Brendon Gale and Damien Hardwick have publicly stated they have room for a big fish.
Certainly, Richmond can manipulate their spate of new contracts to prepare for a Lynch raid.
Lynch’s sister Bethany Lynch joined the Tigers’ new VFLW side earlier this month.
Cashed-up clubs St Kilda, Carlton and North Melbourne will also step up their pursuit of rival targets, with Andrew Gaff and Rory Sloane set to renew talks on their futures over the mid-season break.
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Originally published as Nathan Broad close to re-signing with Richmond but futures of Shaun Grigg, Bach Houli unclear