AFL trade news: Crows defender seen as “perfect fit” for Victorian club

Premiership Hawk and media commentator Jordan Lewis has named Richmond as a team which should consider making a play for soon-to-be ex-Crows defender Daniel Talia.

Tigers stalwart David Astbury will be hanging up his boots after Richmond's final home-and-away clash against the Hawks this weekend, leaving the yellow-and-black in need of reinforcements with young lockdown defender Noah Balta still recovering from a significant syndesmosis injury.

Meanwhile, Talia was recently told by the Adelaide Crows that he would not be offered a new contract at West Lakes, and Lewis is of the belief that Punt Road would be a suitable home for the seasoned key defender.

"From a Daniel Talia point of view, with the Astbury retirement, it seems to be a perfect fit if they wanted to get someone in to strengthen their back-line", Lewis said while speaking on SEN.

"To be a ready-made player and a lot of experience to give them another shot at the flag next year.

"For me, the Richmond Football Club seems likely. I know they get [Noah] Balta back and they might structure up there."

Despite missing all of this season due to a nagging foot ailment, Talia is a known one-on-one warrior and would certainly improve any club looking to upgrade defensively.

The All-Australian has also been linked to the Bombers, as question marks continue to hover over Michael Hurley's status after he missed the entire season with a serious blood infection, per The Herald Sun.

While it's been reported that there have been no "serious discussions" about a potential Talia-to-Essendon move, it's not hard to see why the Victorian has already drawn rival interest.

Talia was disappointed to have been shown the door by the Crows, as he believes he has "more years left at the top level".

The 29-year-old's continued hunger to play the game bodes well for a team such as the Tigers, which would surely welcome an experienced presence after the retirements of Astbury and Bachar Houli, as well as the imminent departures of other respected Richmond leaders nearing the ends of their careers.