Five trade targets for every AFL club: Richmond Tigers

A Swans forward, Dockers midfielder, Demons free agent and more make up our trade targets for Richmond.

STAFF WRITER | August 15, 2023 - 3:13pm

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Richmond is undoubtedly one of the greatest clubs of the modern era. Winning three flags in four years is an achievement only accomplished by two other sides - Brisbane in 2001, 2002, and 2003 and Hawthorn in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Coached by Damien Hardwick, the dynasty team that won flags in 2017, 2019 and 2020 was one of the best fans have ever seen.

Unfortunately for Richmond, that is not the same team that is playing in 2023. Whilst not having a dramatic drop off in one year, the club has slowly slid back down the ladder as the list gets older. With the retirements of ex-skipper and club legend Trent Cotchin, veteran defender Robbie Tarrant and veteran forward Jack Riewoldt, the club is slowly transitioning away from the side that was once so great.

Additionally, the sudden departure of premiership coach Hardwick midway through the year shook things up. The job for the coaching role at Richmond is still up in the air whilst Hardwick is reportedly making the move to Gold Coast.

It's not the clubs' fault at all by any means. Players age, coaches change, and footy continues to move on. There comes a time for every club where change occurs and it looks as though Richmond is entering that period now. Winning three flags so recently and in such quick succession is something for fans to be forever grateful for. If there's one thing Tigers fans have proved time and time again, it's that they're patient.

As the list begins to show its age and youth is injected into the side, here are five players that we think the Tigers should target in the trade period.

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4. James Jordon

Melbourne free agent James Jordon has strung together a fairly solid 2023 campaign. Used as both midfielder and in the forward line where needed, Jordon showed his class throughout the year due to the absence of gun midfielder Clayton Oliver. Whilst his best was most definitely solid, on a handful of occasions Jordon had relatively quiet games.

Nevertheless, at only 22 years of age, playing consistent footy for a side like Melbourne comes with great benefits. Playing weekly for a successful side does wonders for confidence and overall talent growth. Being surrounded in midfield by the likes of Brownlow contender Christian Petracca, Angus Brayshaw, Lachie Hunter and of course, ruckman Max Gawn would be greatly beneficial from a learning perspective.

With plenty of experience on his side and already proving his ability to play on-ball in a quality side, Jordon moving to Richmond could be a possibility. Whilst Melbourne clearly has Jordon in their favour, the one area they don't lack in is midfielders.

Averaging just over 13 touches a game doesn't seem like much but his efficiency of 77% is highly regarded and well above the AFL average. His ability to hit the scoreboard in a handful of appearances is handy as well and would definitely be useful for the Tigers.

Could the Demon have more to give at Richmond?

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