Kaelan Bradtke

Tigers announce first delisting of off-season, farewelling rookie forward

A rookie is the first casualty of Richmond’s off-season cull.

Published by
Josh De Sa

Rookie forward Kaelan Bradtke has been delisted by Richmond after not managing a senior game for the Tigers.

The 22-year-old key forward, who hails from Corowa-Rutherglen, became the first casualty of the Tigers' 2023 off-season cull after arriving at Tigerland via the Supplemental Signing Period at the start of the year.

Bradtke booted 24 goals across 16 VFL contests for Richmond, however, even with Tom Lynch sidelined for nigh-on the entire season, wasn't rewarded with an AFL debut. Bradtke's final game for the club was a 75-point loss to Collingwood during the VFL's first-ever Wildcard Round.

Richmond list boss Blair Hartley thanked Bradtke for his commitment to Richmond since joining at the start of the year.

"We would like to thank Kaelan for his dedication to our football program since he began training with us late last year," Hartley said on Thursday.

"Kaelan gave us everything he could, but unfortunately, at this time of year, we need to make changes to our list.

"We wish him all the best for his future pursuits on and off the field."

Bradtke isn't the only player not returning to Punt Road in 2024, joining retiring champions Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt, who played their final games in yellow and black in Round 23 against North Melbourne.

They joined ex-Roo Robbie Tarrant, who announced his retirement in July, and three-time premiership forward Jason Castagna, who announced his shocking departure from footy before the season even commenced.

Published by
Josh De Sa