The 2023 AFL season has well and truly ticked into the business end of proceedings, and with that, the on-field activity becomes increasingly captivating.ย
Discussion and debate about the state of umpiring, dangerous tackles and the MRO, 'wildcard' finals formats โ and everything else of the like โ has dominated the league's agenda to this point in the year.ย
However, as we edge excitedly closer to the flag-deciding matchups of this year, we also creep closer to the off-season; signalling free agency and trades!
As is the case every season, an array of appealing talent is potentially up for grabs.ย
In this three-part series, we're not necessarily analysing each club's biggest or most popular off-contract names. Rather, we've examined every squad's most intriguing crop of players whose contract situations provoke curiosity.ย
So, without further ado, let's explore the final six teams and their interesting off-contract assets.ย
2. Richmond
The ultimate decision made byย Jack Riewoldt to retire is set to heavily influence the Tigers' list plans for the coming months.
During numerous points this season, fellow retiree Trent Cotchin's play inspired the idea that he could play on again next season in spite of his elder status. The stalwart onballer's constant effort and precise ball use on a week-to-week basis remains eye-catching. However, it's not to be for the champion three-time premiership skipper, who'll cap his decorated career at year's end.ย
Like Cotchin, Riewoldt has come to the decision to call it a day.ย
The 346-game star forward has also had his vintage moments but has also struggled to impact games against middling opponents, warranting the idea of ceasing his playing career at the end of the season.ย
Throughout Richmond's disappointing 2023 campaign, Riewoldt has managed 31 goals, which, with just two home-and-away games remaining, represents the fourth-lowest season tally of his 17-season career, and the lowest of any 18-plus-game season since 2008, when he registered just 18 total majors.ย
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
A point that must be raised is the impact Tom Lynch's protracted absence has had on Riewoldt's burdensome role in Andrew McQualter's side. Oftentimes drawing the opposition's best key defender, simply forcing a contest and bringing the ball to ground is typically a positive result for the veteran, with few alternative forward options presently available for the Tigers.ย
With Riewoldt departing, the Tigers will now cast an eye elsewhere, with several other senior figures still unsigned for 2024.ย
Jack Graham
Graham, a North Adelaide product, was considered every chance of departing Tigerland in favour of Alberton during last year's trade period, having partaken in a covert tour of the club's training facilities before eventually tacking on another year to his Richmond tenure.ย
However, as he finds himself out of contract again this season, there are different circumstances surrounding the Tigers this year, as compared to last.ย
In October 2022, Richmond, coming off a spirited finals appearance, was considered likely to snare then-GWS midfield duo Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper as part of a promising attempt at re-entering premiership contention.ย
While Taranto's recruitment has been widely regarded as a triumph, coming up on 12 months later and the Tigers are far from where they were hoping they'd be as finals-time approaches.ย
Consequently, Graham may once again ponder putting a full stop to his two-time premiership journey in yellow and black.ย
Graham hasn't been spectacular from a statistical perspective this year, nor has he reached the heroic heights of his play during Richmond's dynasty years. However, the 25-year-old's grunt and extraction work at the contest remains the South Australian's most invaluable traits.ย
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
While Graham is off-contract at the end of 2023, he isn't yet eligible for free agency, meaning if he decides on a departure, he'd need Richmond and his acquiring party to come to an agreement on a trade deal.ย
Significantly closer to premiership contention than this time last year, will Port Adelaide come calling again in October?
Kamdyn McIntosh
McIntoshย is Richmond's only prospective unrestricted free agent this year.ย
The two-time premiership Tiger hails from Pinjarra, Western Australia โ one of numerous Western Australian Tigers โ and will turn 30 years of age at the start of next season.ย
With Richmond's dynasty era well and truly ceased, would McIntosh consider a late-career return home to play for one of West Coast or Fremantle? Would a twilight role as a veteran mentor to the young Eagles, for example, interest the rangy wingman?
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
The Eagles reportedly kicked the tires on WA native Nathan Broad before the defender penned an extension at Punt Road. Amid a full-blown rebuild, might they pursue another premiership Tiger?
From a Richmond perspective, McIntosh doesn't fit the Tigers' progressive age demographic, particularly as the club won't play finals football in 2023 and may not be a strong contender for post-season action in 2024, either. Moving on could be in their best interests.ย
Albeit, due to McIntosh's Punt Road standing as a popular teammate and cult hero among fans, likelihood suggests he tacks on another year or two to his existing yellow and black contract, assuming Richmond's list committee is willing to branch out an addendum to a decorated fan-favourite of the club's dynasty era.ย
