Calls for Tigers to let small forward go

“He’s a three time premiership player, he’s cashed in at Richmond, they’ve been good for each other.”

SUBSCRIBER | July 2, 2021 - 11:09am

Two-time North Melbourne premiership player David King has suggested that the Tigers part-ways with small forward Daniel Rioli at the end of the season.

The Tigers slumped further away from premiership contention on Thursday night when losing to the Gold Coast Suns and now look destined for a battle to make finals. Rioli didn't play in the disappointing loss and has found himself out of the 22 for some time now.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 03: Daniel Rioli of the Tigers in action in his 50th game during the 2018 AFL round 20 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 03, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

The Tigers have been riddled with injuries yet Rioli still bides his time in the VFL at the moment.

King said on Fox Footy that a move could be best for both the club and Rioli given the current state of affairs at Punt Road.

“No one’s guaranteed a spot and if you’re out of the team you’re up for grabs," said King.

"It would be good for both parties wouldn’t it? They’d get some good currency - in reality at the moment I think he’d be worth probably a high second-round pick.

“He’s a three time premiership player, he’s cashed in at Richmond, they’ve been good for each other.

“I think it’d be an amicable separation if that were to be the case.”

Rioli's manager Ralph Carr recently told AFL Media in May he was expecting a two-year extension to come sooner rather than later.

“Daniel’s will be done pretty soon I’m hoping,” Carr told AFL.com.au.

“I think that one will be done in the next couple of months.”