Dion Prestia still expected to land at Richmond despite delay over proposed pick swap

RICHMOND’S desire to improve its standing in the second round of the draft has delayed its trade for Gold Coast midfielder Dion Prestia.

Dion Prestia is expected to land at Richmond. Picture: Adam Head

RICHMOND’S desire to improve its standing in the second round of the draft has delayed its trade for Gold Coast midfielder Dion Prestia.

But the deal looks set to be finalised next week with the Suns poised to secure the ­Tigers’ No.6 draft pick.

That would deliver Gold Coast a draft bounty with three top-10 selections and academy star Jack Bowes, who has been likened to Simon Black.

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The Tigers netted No.27 for departed free agent Tyrone Vickery and could try to rise higher into the second round, given that selection looms as their first choice on draft night.

The Suns hold picks 22, 24 and 26.

Under the AFL’s new draft system, a swap of pick 27 for 22 would deliver the Tigers a bonus 142 points.

Dion Prestia is expected to land at Richmond by the end of next week. Picture: Adam Head

That trade would see Richmond secure Prestia and pick 22 for picks six and 27.

Another trade being discussed is for Richmond to instead receive Gold Coast’s No.30 selection in exchange for a future second-round selection.

But the Suns have so far held firm that Prestia should command pick six in a clean trade.

If Gold Coast receives No.6 and 10 next week...

Suns' picks: 4, 6, 8, 10, 22, 24, 30, 44
Tigers' picks: 27, 46, 64
Hawks' picks: 57, 68, 70

— Sam Landsberger (@SamLandsberger) October 14, 2016

The onballer has long committed to the Tigers on a five-year contract and his camp was last night supremely confident he would land at Punt Rd.

The Suns had held out some hope that if trade talks broke down, Prestia could stay at Metricon Stadium.

Suns football manager Marcus Ashcroft said he expected the clubs would broker a trade.

Josh Caddy could also end up at Richmond.

“Dion’s a little bit less ­complicated (than Jaeger O’Meara),” Ashcroft said.

“We’re quite confident we’ll get a deal done with Richmond sooner rather than later, and that all centres around their pick six.”

Prestia, 24, landed a rich offer from the Tigers after playing 95 games in six seasons at Gold Coast.

He could still reunite with former teammate Josh Caddy, who the Tigers are targeting from Geelong in exchange for Brett Deledio.

Caddy recently purchased a property in Geelong, but is open to a move to Richmond.

Caddy and Prestia have ­remained close friends since they were drafted to the Suns together in 2010.

Caddy was secured at No.7 and Prestia two picks later.