Richmond list analysis: Who’s a free agent, out of contract and in the gun at Punt Rd

Richmond needs to replenish its midfield, and GWS is facing a squeeze in the engine room. See the two guns the Tigers should chase and who could leave.

Richmond turns at the bye with six wins and five losses and just outside the top eight on percentage.

Can the Tigers make one last crack at a fourth flag in six years or should they start planning for the next premiership tilt? With some difficult calls looming on multiple-flag winning club heroes, Matt Turner puts the full playing list under the microscope and looks at possible post-season trade targets.

WHERE THEY ARE AT

Richmond has allowed itself list flexibility with quite a few players, including several key names, coming out of contract at season’s end.

The squad is heading into a transition phase from its premiership era yet has been able to challenge for the top eight this year.

It is a stark contrast to a club like West Coast, which has regressed drastically since winning the 2018 premiership and even sitting seventh on the ladder with two rounds to go last season.

At Tigerland, there has been a delicate balance between moving veterans on, bringing in fresh blood and having players in their mid-20s take their next steps.

It may prove that 2022 is the swan song for a few more flag winners, including a couple of club greats.

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Will former skipper Trent Cotchin play on next year? (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

After the departures of David Astbury and Bachar Houli last year, and Josh Caddy earlier this campaign, will triple premiership captain Trent Cotchin, the skilful Shane Edwards and superstar forward Jack Riewoldt join them in retirement in a few months?

All three have been massive figures in turning around the club’s fortunes.

Their form has arguably been strong enough to warrant playing on if they choose.

A lingering hip injury could force another premiership star, the underrated Kane Lambert, to hang up the boots.

Liam Baker, Nathan Broad, Marlion Pickett and Daniel Rioli are notable names out of contract.

The Tigers have a tough call to make on Sydney Stack. Picture: Michael Klein

Rioli has parked talks.

Tough calls will also need to be made on a crop of younger players, including Sydney Stack, who has featured just twice at AFL level this season – once as an unused medical substitute.

The Tigers added SANFL forward Jacob Bauer during the mid-season draft and he might be able to help rejuvenate the attack post-Riewoldt, given he requested an 18-month deal.

Veteran defender Robbie Tarrant still has another year on his contract after joining from North Melbourne last off-season.

WHO’S OUT OF CONTRACT

Jake Aarts, Liam Baker, Nathan Broad, Mate Colina, Riley Collier-Dawkins, Trent Cotchin, Noah Cumberland, Shane Edwards, Kane Lambert, Will Martyn, Ben Miller, Bigoa Nyuon, Matt Parker, Marlion Pickett, Jack Riewoldt, Daniel Rioli, Maurice Rioli, Jack Ross, Sydney Stack

WHO’S ELIGIBLE FOR FREE AGENCY

Cotchin, Edwards, Lambert, Miller, Nyuon, Parker, Riewoldt

The Tigers should look at GWS Giant Tim Taranto. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)

THREE PLAYERS FROM A RIVAL CLUB THAT THE TIGERS WILL BE LOOKING AT – OR SHOULD LOOK AT

Tim Taranto – The list squeeze at GWS seems has been tipped to potentially push either Taranto or Jacob Hopper out. At 24 and with the capacity to play onball or forward, Taranto would be a nice fit.

Jacob Hopper – If not Taranto, Hopper would also be a great target for the Tigers. Hopper is 25 and more of a midfield bull, rather than hybrid on-baller like Taranto, but can help Richmond restock its engine room.

Griffin Logue – Clubs are said to be circling the Fremantle defender since his early season axing. The 24-year-old is back in the Dockers’ side but is out of contract, has put talks on hold and is a nice age for Richmond to consider chasing.

Could Dustin Martin finish his career in Sydney? Picture: Cameron Spencer/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

THREE TIGERS THAT A RIVAL CLUB WILL BE LOOKING AT

Dustin Martin – If a great of the game like Martin is indeed interested in escaping the Melbourne limelight at some point, GWS and Sydney need to explore the option. Swans coach John Longmire has distanced the club from Martin, but if Sydney is going to chase him, it is hardly going to announce it to the footy world.

Daniel Rioli – Soon to be out of contract, Rioli has added another facet to his game by being so impressive at halfback after starting his career as a small forward. That versatility will appeal to rival clubs.

Nathan Broad – The defender has been linked with an exit before and is out of contract again this season. Could a club like the Western Bulldogs, who could use another experienced, taller defender, pry him away?