AFL Trades 2016: Ivan Maric could stay at Richmond while Nathan Hrovat could leave Western Bulldogs

TRADE WINDS: Richmond wants to keep big man Ivan Maric at the club next year while Nathan Hrovat could leave the Western Bulldogs.

Jackson Trengove and Ivan Maric compete in the ruck.

IVAN Maric has been told by Richmond it wants to keep him at the club next year in a role combining football, leadership and coaching.

The 30-year-old played just three games this year after injury problems and the emergence of Shaun Hampson as the club’s lead ruckman.

But while Richmond is still keeping its options open ahead of what it has promised will be an aggressive trade period, he has been told he is a wanted player.

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Coach Damien Hardwick loves Maric’s selflessness and leadership at a club where that has been in short supply in 2016.

The former Adelaide ruckman has also had some interest from rivals but at the least a one-year contract as a rookie could see him playing while working with the club’s young ruckmen.

The Tigers have secured the commitment of Gold Coast onballer Dion Prestia but seem likely to lose ruck/forward Ty Vickery to Hawthorn.

It means apart from Hampson and Maric the club’s ruck stocks are thin, with Maric’s cousin Ivan Soldo the only other backup.

Ivan Maric in action for Richmond’s VFL team.

CARLTON defenders Sam Rowe and Kade Simpson will play on with the Blues into 2017.

As flagged by the Herald Sun last month, Simpson will have his current one-year deal rolled over after a sterling 2016.

It is understood Rowe met a games-based trigger in his contract which will automatically earn him a deal for 2017.

The Blues are keen to try to secure more early draft picks so won’t resist too strongly if mid-tier players like Zach Tuohy move onto rivals.

Simpson said he could see Carlton’s progress under the club’s new regime.

“I really enjoyed this season under Brendon Bolton and the coaching panel and the body is feeling good. While I can still contribute to the playing group, I am keen to go on so I’m thankful to the Club and my manager for making this happen.”

Nathan Hrovat celebrates a goal with Tory Dickson.

WESTERN Bulldog Nathan Hrovat has parked contract talks, with the 22-year-old likely to find a new home with greater opportunities next year.

He has several offers with rival clubs, having endured a difficult year with injury then after being dropped last night after finally working his way into the senior side.

Hrovat was taken at pick 21 in the 2012 draft and has had his spot taken by Rising Star runner up Caleb Daniel, with the Dogs flushed with smart young midfielders.

Originally published as AFL Trades 2016: Ivan Maric could stay at Richmond while Nathan Hrovat could leave Western Bulldogs