Premiership player Shaun Grigg retiresto allow Tigers a mid-season draft pick

UPDATE: Richmond is set to use a pick in the mid-season draft after premiership star Shaun Grigg today announced his immediate retirement from footy.

Shaun Grigg is considering retirement. Picture: Getty Images

Richmond veteran Shaun Grigg has retired, effective immediately, to allow the Tigers a mid-season draft pick.

Premiership hero Grigg had been battling knee and hip injuries and at 31 was always unlikely to go on next year.

The Herald Sun reported yesterday that conversations had taken place between the club and Grigg on his future.

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Today, the Tigers revealed the left-footer had decided to pull the pin.

“It’s been amazing to play 13 seasons of league football with two great clubs,” Grigg said.

“I’ve loved my football journey, and feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to play this great game.

Shaun Grigg has had injury issues throughout the season. Picture: Getty Images

“Although it’s difficult to make the decision to call time on my own career, it may give the Club a chance to provide someone else an opportunity.”

Grigg’s decision clears the way for the Tigers to take a pick in the May 27 mid-season draft.

The club has already interviewed Coburg small forward Sam Lowson.

Midfielder Grigg has played 214 games with Richmond and Carlton and was a key factor in the 2017 premiership win as a midfielder and part-time ruckman.

Toby Nankervis will miss a chunk of footy. Pic: Getty Images

MEANWHILE, Richmond will be without premiership ruckman Toby Nankervis for up to two months.

Nankervis has been ruled out for 6-8 weeks with a right adductor tear.

Adding to the Tigers woes youngster Jack Ross has been diagnosed with a syndesmosis strain that could require surgery.

Richmond is now missing its entire leadership group.

The club’s head of football, Neil Balme, said the Nankervis injury was similar to the one that hampered Bachar Houli last year.

“We haven’t really discussed who would replace Toby but every week since early 2017 we have said, ‘What happens if Nank gets hurt?’.

“We would be reasonably happy to play (Ivan) Soldo but Callum Coleman-Jones has come on well too.”

The Tigers battled manfully without Nankervis in the second half of their impressive win over Fremantle on Sunday.

The Tigers are likely to elevate Soldo after excellent VFL form, having played five strong weeks of football after a strong JLT Series.

Daniel Rioli (corked leg) and Nick Vlastuin (ankle) are both set to return against Hawthorn on Sunday.

Last week against Frankston Soldo had 114 ranking points, 14 disposals at 100 per cent kicking efficiency, 38 hit-outs, nine hit-outs to advantage and five tackles.

Noah Balta was impressive in the ruck and Nathan Broad even took a turn in the ruck.

Trent Cotchin is still several week away after straining his hamstring a second time but the club is confident he is on top of the injury.