Richmond exodus Jack Graham waiting on clarity, Liam Baker officially requests trade from Punt Rd

Shai Bolton, Daniel Rioli and Liam Baker have all officially requested trades out of Punt Rd. But Richmond is a still a chance to hold onto free agent Jack Graham – here’s why.

Richmond hard nut midfielder Jack Graham will hold off on a decision on his future until West Coast has more clarity on its next coach.

Graham has received a four-year offer to join the Eagles as a free agent, meaning West Coast do not have to give up anything in a trade.

But the Eagles’ coach search, which has dragged on after a series of knock backs from a large group of top candidates, has complicated matters.

It would be hard for Graham to accept the Eagles’ offer without knowing who the club’s next coach will be for 2025.

Jack Graham is still waiting for more clarity on West Coast’s direction. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

Graham has to make a call by the first week of October when the free agency window opens but he will want to know who is coaching West Coast before making a decision.

The Eagles have widened their net after top assistants Ashley Hansen, Dean Cox and Jaymie Graham all declined to be part of the process.

But a further delay into next month could cost the Eagles’ recruiting mission.

Richmond is keen to keep Graham after Shai Bolton, Daniel Rioli and Liam Baker all requested trades out of Punt Rd.

Richmond is likely to receive a second-round compensation pick for Graham, pending his salary and contract at West Coast, if he accepted the Eagles’ offer.

The exodus threatens to leave the Tigers exposed for the next couple of seasons under coach Adem Yze, but Richmond will invest heavily in this year’s draft with up to seven first-round picks.

BAKER TO JOIN PUNT ROAD EXODUS AS STARS FLEE TIGERS

– Glenn McFarlane

Liam Baker has become the latest Richmond premiership hero to request a trade out of Punt Road as the Tigers’ exodus continues.

The heart and soul vice-captain informed coach Adem Yze and the club in his exit interview on Wednesday morning that he wants to return home to Western Australia.

He is out of contract, but is not a free agent, so a trade deal would have to be done with West Coast or Fremantle.

Baker is understood to prefer a move to the Eagles.

Richmond has known for most of this season that Baker was likely to request a move home, given it could not get a new deal done for the 26-year-old during the home and away season.

The Tigers said they will be looking to secure “a fair and equitable trade” for Baker, as well as a handful of other senior players who have also requested moves.

“Liam has been a wonderful player for us and is someone we value very highly,” Richmond General Manager of Football Performance Blair Hartley said.

“While we are disappointed that he has requested a trade away from the club, we respect the reasons for his decision.

Liam Baker has requested a trade to Western Australia. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“We will work closely with potential suitors for Liam to ensure that we are fairly compensated.”

Baker’s trade request comes a day after teammate Daniel Rioli – who is contracted for another three seasons – told the Tigers he wants to reunite with his former coach Damien Hardwick at Gold Coast next season.

The Herald Sun also reported last week that Shai Bolton – who is contracted until the end of 2028 – wants to play for a WA-based club.

“Both Daniel and Shai have informed us of their requests for a trade during our end-of-season review process,” Hartley said.

“Whilst we are disappointed, we have been in constant dialogue with both the players and their management throughout the course of the season.

“Out of respect to both players and their wishes, at the right time – we will open conversations with their clubs of choice.

Baker and Harley Reid could be teammates next year at the Eagles. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“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.”

Richmond ‘won’ the wooden spoon after a disastrous 2024 season under first-year coach Yze, with the playing list almost certain to be even thinner and less experienced in 2025, with a host of premiership players either retiring or seeking new homes.

Jack Graham is also being targeted as an unrestricted free agent and could be on the move, while Dustin Martin, Dylan Grimes and Marlion Pickett have already retired.

Baker had been considered a future captain of the Tigers, having been elevated to a co-vice-captaincy role this season alongside Tom Lynch and Jayden Short.

The Herald Sun reported that injury-plagued forward Lynch is happy to play out his contract for 2025 in yellow and black.

Baker has played 128 games in seven seasons with Richmond since being chosen as a rookie selection in 2018.

He grew up as a West Coast fan who idolised Chris Judd, Ben Cousins and Daniel Kerr.

Originally published as Richmond exodus Jack Graham waiting on clarity, Liam Baker officially requests trade from Punt Rd