Richmond Tigers

Tiger Kings tipped to go around again

The veterans are said to be keen to remain at Punt Road.

Published by
Ed Carmine

Richmond veterans Jack Riewoldt and Trent Cotchin are reportedly keen to continue their decorated careers in yellow and black, irrespective of the fact that neither has a contract for beyond the cessation of the 2022 season.

Since making their respective debuts in 2007 and 2008, the duo of former first-round draftees have combined to claim six premiership medallions, five Jack Dyer Medals, four All-Australian blazers, a trio of Colemans and a belated Brownlow.

However, with each of the legendary Tigers currently out-of-contract and set to become unrestricted free agents by the end of September, the pair's future at Punt Road remains ambiguous.

Still, as stated by News Corp, both the Tasmanian and country Victorian are said to be keen to recommit to Damien Hardwick's ambush for the 2023 season.

Though the departure of Bachar Houli in 2021 set in motion the Tigers' attempts to rejuvenate their roster, should Richmond have room within their cap to table respectful deals, the champion spearhead and triple premiership skipper look set to stay put.

With Cotchin currently enjoying a new lease on life after handing over the captaincy reins, as well as leading Hardwick's men for clearances heading into Round 13, a choice to run back the old guard appears likely to be astute.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 04: Trent Cotchin of the Tigers takes the ball during a Richmond Tigers AFL training session at Punt Road Oval on April 04, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Despite the near-certain necessity of requiring a hip replacement just to pull the boots on again, The Herald Sun has also claimed that Kane Lambert remains a live option to continue his career in a sashed guernsey.

Lambert joined the Tigers as a mature-aged option ahead of the 2015 season, going on to become an integral utility option during Richmond's recent golden run.

Yet, the 30-year-old's fortunes have reversed of late, managing just four appearances so far this season given his lack of mobility due to his degrading joint.

The former Coburg Lion is also without a currently inked contract for the 2023 season and is set to become a restricted free agent across the course of the coming months.

Following their hard-fought 12-point win over Port Adelaide on Thursday night, Richmond will be forced to rehabilitate on the bounce before facing Carlton at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The Tigers were forced to lick their wounds following their opening-round loss to the Blues in March, however, the seasoned side has since gone on the claim seven wins to keep their hopes of yet another finals campaign alive.

The age-old rivals will write their latest chapter when the ball is bounced at 7:20pm (AEST) on Thursday, June 16.

Published by
Ed Carmine