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Premiership Richmond midfielder’s move all but confirmed: AFL trade news

This will be free agent move No.7.

Published by
Aidan Cellini

Richmond premiership midfielder Jack Graham is reportedly set to exercise his free agency rights, joining West Coast as an unrestricted free agent.

Graham has long been linked with a move away from the Tigers, with the Eagles being tipped as the preferred destination for a lengthy period.

Given the South Australian's free agency status, the Perth club will not have to pony up any players or draft capital to secure his services.

The 26-year-old will likely join teammate Liam Baker at the club following months of speculation surrounding where he'd end up.

Graham and Baker will reunite with former assistant coach Andrew McQualter, who was named as Adam Simpson's successor as head coach of the Eagles.

McQualter spent the majority of his coaching career at Punt Road, spending time with the pair as the midfield mentor.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 20: Nathan Broad, Jack Graham, Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin of the Tigers sing the song in the rooms after winning the AFL Preliminary Final match between the Richmond Tigers and the Geelong Cats at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 20, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Graham said he would be "forever grateful" to the Punt Road club.

"I'm just so grateful for the Richmond Football Club for giving me the opportunity eight years ago,” Graham said.

"I have met some amazing people along this journey, and it is tough... but it is something that I thought I needed for myself. A new chapter and a new challenge.

"Jordy and I are very excited by that, but at the same time, it is sad to say goodbye to so many good people.

"(They are) people that have helped me along the way to get where I am today as a player, but more importantly, to help shape me as the person I am today."

Graham has played 131 games after being taken with Pick 53 in the 2016 National Draft, securing two premierships (2017, 2020) and finishing second in the club's 2021 best and fairest count.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Jack Graham of the Tigers celebrates a goal during the 2017 AFL Grand Final match between the Adelaide Crows and the Richmond Tigers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 30, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Media/Getty Images)

The news was confirmed by the Tigers, who expressed their gratitude to the 26-year-old for his efforts.

“We all thank Jack for all he has given to Richmond. He is a player that left nothing out on the field and gave us everything he had in his eight years with us,” Richmond GM of Football Blair Hartley said.

"He has been a great servant to Richmond and should be very proud of all he has achieved, including playing a selfless role during our finals series in 2019. This will never be forgotten.

“Whilst we are disappointed to be losing a player like Jack, as a free agent, we understand and respect his decision to seek a fresh start.”

Published by
Aidan Cellini