Ben Griffiths signs new contract to stay at Richmond

RICHMOND has re-signed forward Ben Griffiths but several players remain out of contract and potentially on the move.

Ben Griffiths in action. Picture: Michael Klein

RICHMOND has re-signed key forward Ben Griffiths until the end of 2018.

The No.19 pick in the 2009 draft has struggled to perform consistently at AFL level, but showcased his potential with a five-goal performance against Sydney in Round 8.

He appears the Tigers’ long-term preference as a partner for Jack Riewoldt up forward, with Ty Vickery out of contract and seemingly destined for Hawthorn as a free agent.

Richmond has re-signed six players in the past three weeks: Shaun Grigg, Bachar Houli, Shaun Hampson, Oleg Markov, Sam Lloyd and David Astbury.

Youngsters Nick Vlastuin, Corey Ellis and Connor Menadue re-signed earlier in the year.

But several remain out of contract and potentially on the move during what is set to be a hectic trade period at Punt Rd.

Ben Griffiths has signed a contract extension. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

There are already four confirmed changes with Troy Chaplin and Reece McKenzie retired and Liam McBean and Adam Marcon delisted.

First-round draft picks Ben Lennon and Reece Conca are exploring their options while Jake Batchelor, Andrew Moore and Kane Lambert are also yet to be locked away. Ivan Maric does not have a contract for next year.

Stars Jack Riewoldt and Brett Deledio have also been linked to possible trades.

Backmen Taylor Hunt and Steven Morris and forward Todd Elton are contracted for next year.

All-Australian Dustin Martin is out of contract at the end of next season.

Gold Coast midfielder Dion Prestia this week nominated Richmond as his preferred new home and has been offered a five-year deal by the Tigers.

Football manager Dan Richardson said he expected Griffiths to build on the good progress he’s made this season.

“Ben has all the attributes of a powerful key forward, and we’ve seen how valuable he can be in some of his performances this season,” Richardson said.

“We’re looking forward to Ben taking his game to another level next season and beyond.”

The Tigers have also started a clean-out in the coaching department, with three assistants, including former Port Adelaide premiership coach Mark Williams, told their contracts will not be renewed.