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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5. Dylan Stephens

Sydney's Dylan Stephens had a bright start to 2023 before his form began to drop off halfway through the season. After playing the first seven rounds, Stephens impressed with his ability to win the ball cleanly and hit the scoreboard. The 22-year-old has played a total of 11 games this year, averaging 13 touches a game.

With the emergence of Errol Gulden as the side's premier midfielder, the Swans may be looking to move Stephens on to focus on their proven youth. Midfielders Chad Warner, Callum Mills and James Rowbottom have solidified themselves in the side, Stephens often being the odd one out. With veteran Luke Parker remaining at the club until 2025 and still performing well, Stephens might be headed away from the Swans.

Richmond could use a player like Stephens to solidify their wing positions. Working in tandem with Errol Gulden on the opposite side of the field, Stephens has proven he can contribute as both an outside and inside midfielder whenever required.

This sort of versatility would be very beneficial to Richmond - Stephens could fill a similar role as to what Fremantle's Liam Henry could do for the Tigers. With plenty of upside, Stephens is worth having a look at from a Tigers perspective. He could be another useful midfield pickup following on from Richmond's successful moves for Giants Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper at the end of 2022.

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