A trio of Richmond premiership stars have all formally requested trades away from the club.
Contracted pair Daniel Rioli and Shai Bolton have asked to be traded, while out-of-contract midfielder Liam Baker wants to be traded home to Perth. Bolton also wants a trade home to Perth for family reasons, but neither player has – at this stage – told the Tigers which WA club they want a trade to.
Rioli has, as expected, asked to be traded to Gold Coast to reunite with former coach Damien Hardwick.
Shai Bolton wants to return home to WA.Credit: Getty Images
On Rioli and Bolton, Richmond list manager Blair Hartley said: “Whilst we are disappointed, we have been in constant dialogue with both the players (Bolton and Rioli) and their management throughout the course of the season.
Richmond coach Adem Yze.Credit: AFL Photos
“Out of respect to both players and their wishes, at the right time we will open conversations with their clubs of choice.
“We will listen to what the clubs have to offer and determine whether or not we believe it is a viable trade and in the best interests of the Richmond Football Club.”
Baker, the club vice captain and a dual premiership player, is out of contract but is not a free agent so Fremantle or West Coast will have to negotiate a trade for him.
“While we are disappointed that (Baker) has requested a trade away from the club, we respect the reasons for his decision,” Hartley said.
“We will work closely with potential suitors for Liam to ensure that we are fairly compensated.”
If they accede to the requests of all three players, Richmond would potentially have a chance at a generational strike in the draft with at least four picks in the first round of what is agreed to be balanced draft of quality talent in the first 20 picks.
The Tigers would be seeking first-round draft picks for each of the three players, were they to be traded. Richmond currently hold selections 1, 21, 29, 39, 41, 47, 57, 66 at November’s draft.
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