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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.

Published by

Josh De Sa

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.

Hayden McLean

The Swans struggled early in 2023, unable to live up to expectations. After making the Grand Final in 2022, it seemed all but certain that the side would be up there again, primed for redemption. That unfortunately was not the case, if anything it was the complete opposite. With a mix of injury concerns and players generally underperforming, not much was going right.

Lance Franklin went down injured multiple times throughout the year and was unable to put together a consistent campaign. The AFL icon recently announced his retirement from the game which has made room for forward Hayden McLean to step up. McLean has played all but two games in 2023 and has been a solid contributor to his side.

The Tigers have struggled to score this season after losing star forward Tom Lynch in Round 4 before being ruled out for the year. With Lynch's fitness in question and Jack Riewoldt's departure incoming, the need for a key forward is there. Standing at 197cm tall, 24-year-old McLean could be ready to take on the role at the Tigers. As an added bonus, McLean can play as a second ruckman alongside Toby Nankervis, allowing rotating assets like defender Noah Balta to remain in the backline.

It'll be interesting to see how Sydney manages McLean as they look towards a life without 'Buddy', but the Tigers should consider the big man as they enter a slight rebuild period.

Liam Henry

Dockers midfielder Liam Henry has turned a corner in 2023. The 21-year-old was questioned over form early in the season after missing Rounds 5 - 12. Since his return in Round 13, Henry has played every game since for a total of 14 so far this season. He's been much more impressive in his second stint in the side this year, even adding a couple of high-possession games to his name.

After initially being drafted as a small forward, Henry struggled to maintain his spot in the side during 2021 and 2022. He is clearly a much better midfielder and has proven that this season. For the Dockers, Henry provides plenty of spread and speed through midfield whilst allowing clearance machines Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong to do the heavy lifting.

In transition is where Henry shines as he is often the middle man in moving the ball from the backline to his forward teammates. Playing as a winger, Henry could be a handy inclusion for the Tigers. With current wingers Kamdyn McIntosh and Marlion Pickett, the need for a younger and arguably more capable speedster is there.

Due to Henry's form improvements, it's uncertain if a move is on the cards for him. The boy from Tammin, Western Australia may also want to play out his career at home but a prestigious club like Richmond will always have an appeal.

Jeremy Sharp

Gold Coast utility Jeremy Sharp has been unlucky in 2023. The 22-year-old hasn't managed a single senior game this year despite being a contributor in 2022, playing 12 games. Sharp hasn't been given an opportunity for consistent AFL footy even since ex-coach Stuart Dew's departure earlier this year.

Heading towards the trade period, Sharp could be looking elsewhere for a move and the Tigers could be possible suitors. Standing at 189cm tall, the midfielder would inject some youth into the side following the departure of Trent Cotchin. At VFL level, Sharp averages a respectable 22 disposals and just shy of a goal a game.

Although not much has been seen of the youngster having only played a total of 23 senior games across four years, there's plenty of upside in the midfielder and Richmond could be a place to showcase his talent. The Tigers have a knack for taking Gold Coast players and turning them into stars, most notably Dion Prestia and Tom Lynch.

Could Sharp be another Sun that shines brighter at the Tigers?

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?

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.

Published by

Josh De Sa

1 year ago