Trade HQ: Check out all the big list calls facing Richmond this off-season

Injuries at the Tigers have created opportunities. And while Richmond has done an outstanding job to keep its season alive, there are some holes that need plugging in the off-season. Read Brendon Goddard and Jon Ralph’s full trade analysis.

Toby Nankervis is vital for the Tigers. Picture: AAP Images

This year will go down as an absolute rollercoaster for Richmond.

And that comes after doing everything right in the off-season.

By adding Tom Lynch to their forward line, they secured the best player on the market and dropped him into a side that had won 18 games the year before.

But no one could have predicted that almost every key Tiger would miss extended time with injuries throughout the year.

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It makes judging their list a tricky process. While some areas of need have clearly been shown up, it’s unlikely their depth will be tested so severely two years in a row.

Plus, it is certainly impressive that even with everything that has gone wrong, they are still in the top four mix. If they can stay healthy for the rest of the year, I’m confident they can go on another finals run.

One area of concern that I don’t think is going away is the second ruck slot.

With Shaun Grigg retiring, his partnership with Toby Nankervis is over. Ivan Soldo has been tried in the ruck and while he might get to that level eventually, I think he is a little bit undersized when it comes to going up against the monsters of the competition.

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At 25, Nankervis is still in his prime so it isn’t like Richmond should be going out and trying to secure a star like Todd Goldstein.

I think it is more a case of being shrewd. Try to get a quality back-up at a good price, who can step up and play the No. 1 ruck role if called upon.

After their big Lynch signing, it is unlikely they would be a major player during the trade period again. However, I’ll be interested to see what happens with Brandon Ellis.

Two months ago I would have said he was more than likely gone after looking down on confidence.

Brandon Ellis is a free agent at the end of the season. Picture: Getty Images

But he and Damien Hardwick appear to be back on the same page and I think he is an important player for the Tigers to try and keep. While he isn’t a superstar, this year has proved, you can never have too much depth.

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THREE TIGERS RIVAL RECRUITERS ARE WATCHING

Brandon Ellis

Ellis put off contract talks early in the year and will likely assess rival offers from clubs needing pace. He has used the ball well this year and despite being dropped last year, has enough traits that rivals will be able to offer more opportunity that the Tigers. Then it comes down to how much he wants to stay.

Callum Moore

Played six games in 2018 as a tall leading forward but has battled an ankle injury this year. With Jack Riewoldt still likely to play on for some time and Tom Lynch on a long-term deal, would a rival try to poach him for a later pick?

Shai Bolton

Is just becoming the player Richmond hoped and signed on last year despite rival interest because he “loved the club”. No reason to think he won’t get opportunities but would Adelaide come hard at him given Eddie Betts is closer to the end of his career?

Shai Bolton has shown great signs recently. Picture: Getty Images

THREE PLAYERS TIGERS RECRUITERS ARE WATCHING

Paddy Ryder

Out of favour at Port Adelaide, would the Tigers look at trying to squeeze Ryder into their mix? Despite his struggles this year, he still demands respect as a forward and can hold his own against most opposition ruckmen. He will be 32 at the start of next season but could be worth the risk.

Ryan Abbott

Currently behind Rhys Stanley, Darcy Fort and Zac Smith in the pecking order, the mature age ruckman could be looking around for more opportunity. He has shown he is clearly too good for VFL level and could be the perfect low risk back up for Nankervis.

Griffin Logue

Still without a contract for next year at the Dockers, plenty of rival clubs would love to drop Logue into their backline. With Alex Pearce’s injury, the former first round draft pick has shown he is capable of holding down a key defensive post. While Alex Rance is set to return next year, there is always room for another quality defender.

RATE THE 2018 TRADE PERIOD

Score: 8/10

A club that had only won the premiership a year previous was able to secure the best free agent out there and for only about a million bucks a year.

Tom Lynch has been a riotous success if you consider he has come off a PCL injury, playing every game and having several huge games.

The critics have come for him but consider what he will do in the next five seasons when fully fit.

Tom Lynch has delivered for the Tigers. Picture: Getty Images

Even though he is only approaching full fitness, his worst games have still included a couple of telling moments in a team that has missed Jack Riewoldt.

The Tigers moved on the likes of Sam Lloyd, Anthony Miles and Corey Ellis, forcing themselves to find some depth. Instead of playing those guys when the injuries hit they have unearthed the likes of Sydney Stack, Noah Balta and Ivan Soldo.

The Tigers also have high hopes for Riley Collier-Dawkins (pick 20) and have seen the potential in bash-and-crash midfielder Jack Ross, who is only out of the side because of injury.