AFL trades 2015: Richmond shows interest in GWS midfielder Jacob Townsend

RICHMOND has conceded defeat in its pursuit of a big name star and turned its attention to Greater Western Sydney hard nut Jacob Townsend.

The GWS Giants play Belconnen at Blacktown Olympic Park.Jacob Townsend for the Giants

RICHMOND has conceded defeat in its pursuit of a big name star and turned its attention to Greater Western Sydney hard nut Jacob Townsend.

Townsend, 22, has played only 28 games in four seasons at the Giants and only one this year because of injury and lack of opportunity.

“We have two needs that we have identified — one a rebounding defender, which is hopefully (Carlton’s) Chris Yarran, and the other is an inside midfielder,” Tigers football boss Dan Richardson said on Friday.

“Ideally we would have liked to have got an elite mid like (Adam) Treloar, but that’s not going to happen.

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“We have always liked Jacob and have been tracking him for a couple of years and we feel he is a big-bodied, tough mid that we think can help us. He certainly fills a need.

“He’s obviously not a big name but we are more about needs than names. We’ve had some positive discussions.”

Townsend is out of contract and likely to cost the Tigers a third-round pick at next month’s draft.

Talks over a deal for Yarran, contracted to Carlton until the end of next season, will continue on Monday.

The Blues are adamant he is worth the Tigers’ first round pick (currently No.12).

Asked if the club would still attempt to land a star midfielder during next week’s trade period, Richardson said: “You never say never, but the reality is we’ve been connected to everyone. Some of it’s true and some of it’s not. If we can bring those two players in we’ll be quite happy.”

The Tigers are not in the market for a ruckman and will back Ivan Maric and Shaun Hampson for another season.

“It’s probably something we’ve got to address over the next 12 to 18 months, but at this stage Ivan is obviously still our No.1 ruckman,” Richardson said.

“We brought Shaun in a couple of years ago to be that taller option. He’s had some injury and (issues with) durability, but he’s also showed signs here of improving. We need to back that in.”

Talks between the Tigers and out-of-contract midfielder Ben Lennon are closer to resolution, but defender David Astbury is being pursued the Brisbane Lions.

CARLTON on Friday appointed former Gold Coast and Collingwood ruckman Josh Fraser coach of its VFL affiliate, the Northern Blues.