Former Tiger finds new home

Delisted Tigers midfielder Patrick Naish has signed with SANFL club Norwood for 2022.

Richmond confirmed in August that Naish would not be offered a new contract for the upcoming season, ending his nine-game tenure at Punt Road.

The 22-year-old joined the Tigers as a father-son selection through the 2017 National Draft, making his debut in 2019.

Limited exposure in Richmond's midfield saw Naish predominantly placed in the Tigers' VFL side, featuring in the club's 2019 premiership side.

“We would like to thank Patrick for his hard work and commitment to our football program across the past four years,” Tigers football talent manager Blair Hartley said on Naish's departure.

“Patrick has played his part in our recent success, and we wish him all the best for his future endeavours.”

The Northern Knights product has now looked for a move interstate ahead of the next chapter of his career, joining Norwood for the coming year.

“It’s great to be at Norwood in 2022,” Naish said, via the club's announcement.

“Walking around the place and learning the history of the club and what it stands for is really exciting and I am itching to get started.

“The last couple of years has been hindered with the COVID situation, however, the prospect of playing some consistent football and playing at this level with such a great club really excites me.”

Naish joins the Redlegs just one week after former Magpies midfielder Jay Rantall signed with The Parade club.

The pair are sure to bolster Jade Rawlings' premiership prospects following a campaign that saw Norwood manage a third-placed finish.

“This is a fantastic signing for our football club”, Norwood football services manager Rob Harding said.

“Patty has been training with us over the last couple of weeks and we’re delighted that he has signed on the dotted line for season 2022.

“We know he has had a lot of interest from AFL level, and we will support him in his endeavours to get back to the AFL.

“Patty is a high-quality talent and more importantly a quality character."

Norwood also signed delisted Geelong duo Cameron Taheny and Ben Jarvis this off-season, with Rawlings and Harding shaping a competitive list for the future.