Richmond's negotiations with the GWS Giants for in-demand stars Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper are sure to go deep into the sign and trade period, with the Tigers needing to move heaven and earth to secure the duo this year.
Geelong will heavily compete with the Tigers to secure Hopper, while a seven-year deal at Punt Road for Taranto is reportedly as good as done.
The Tigers will thank some of their 2021 trade planning ahead of this off-season's window, landing North Melbourne's 2022 second-round selection - placed at Pick 19 - in a trade that also saw them secure Robbie Tarrant from the Roos last year.
Their collection of Picks 12, 19 and 30 at this year's draft, along with their own future first-round pick, are likely to be key in negotiations with the Giants should the Tigers be in the window to land Hopper on top of their likely acquisition of Taranto.
It has emerged that the Giants will likely demand a number of early picks for the pair, meaning Richmond may have to get creative to lure the pair to Tigerland.
Should they look toward playing personnel to help broker a deal, duo Ivan Soldo and Riley Collier-Dawkins are seen as potential options to be added to negotiations, having both garnered reported interest from across the league.
Speaking on AFL Trade Desk, AFL.com.au's Riley Beveridge flagged the Tigers duo could be seen as moveable assets for Richmond's discussions with the Giants, with the situation surrounding Soldo "an interesting watch".
"There could be a couple of different players. I'm looking at from a midfield perspective whether a Riley Collier Dawkins, who has interest from around the competition, whether or not Richmond looks to part with him," Beveridge raised.
"There's been talk of Ivan Soldo at Richmond, potentially making the move to the Giants. I think Ivan Soldo has interest from around the competition, not necessarily just at the Giants. He's a watch there.
"He's got two years left on a three-year contract, he signed last season. It's an interesting watch.
"There's an interesting space there and how it plays out, because they're bringing in two very good players. You'd have to think a couple might get squeezed out to make way for them."
Soldo played 13 matches for the Tigers in 2022, seen as second-fiddle to co-captain Toby Nankervis as senior coach Damien Hardwick continued to ponder a two ruck system.
The Giants have continued to be left frustrated with their ruck stocks, with Braydon Preuss missing a considerable amount of games through both injury and suspension, while Matt Flynn has continued to battle with form and setbacks of his own.
Having named former Tigers assistant Adam Kingsley as their new senior coach, the Giants could have some sway to persuade potentially available Richmond players to consider a move north.
Soldo is contracted until the end of 2024, while Collier-Dawkins is one of six Tigers still without a deal for next season.