Richmond defender Daniel Rioli is said to have officially informed the Tigers of his desire to join the Gold Coast Suns.
Rioli has long been linked to the Suns for a potential reunion with former coach Damien Hardwick despite having a contract at Punt Road until the end of 2027.
The 27-year-old would need approval from the Tigers to secure a move north, given his contract status, with Richmond to weigh up whether to keep the three-time premiership player or acquire highly valuable draft capital.
The Suns have three first-round draft selections for this year's AFL Draft and could satisfy Richmond in a deal, holding Picks 6, 13 (tied to the Western Bulldogs) and 20 (from North Melbourne's assistance package).
The Tigers have held off commenting on the situation that surrounds Rioli, given he is under contract, however, the rebounding backman held his exit interview on Tuesday.
According toย AFL.com.au'sย Cal Twomey, Rioli informed the club of his preference to part ways with the Tigers in a move that would see him join the Suns.
Daniel Rioli has reaffirmed his desire to seek a trade to Gold Coast. He wants to play for the Suns next year and has made that request official in his exit meeting today. Tigers also aware Shai Bolton is keen to get to Freo for family reasons if a trade can be sorted. @AFLcomau
— Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) August 27, 2024
The Suns' interest in Rioli comes as the Queensland club prepares to deal with Collingwood for wantaway defender John Noble.
Noble has requested a move away from Collingwood, with the Suns said to be his desired location.
Rioli's decision comes as the Tigers also await decisions from premiership figures Shai Bolton, Liam Baker and Jack Graham.
Like Rioli, Bolton has a long-term contract but has been tied to a move elsewhere, with the lively half-forward a chance to return to his home state of Western Australia this off-season.
Baker is off-contract and is said to be considering a move to either Fremantle or West Coast, while he is also a chance to remain with the Tigers.
Graham is an unrestricted free agent and can walk to a club of his choosing, with West Coast said to be a likely landing spot for the midfielder.
Both Baker and Graham have offers on the table from Richmond.
