Tigers’ mid-season signing inks new deal

Mid-season recruit Matthew Parker has signed a new one-year extension with the Tigers, extending his stay at Punt Road until the end of next season.

Parker joined Richmond in June via the Mid-Season Rookie Draft, heading to the Victorin powerhouse club after being delisted by St Kilda at the end of last season.

The 25-year-old had a strong opening half to the 2021 season with WAFL side South Fremantle - where he was also granted permission to return to for their Grand Final push - and was selected by the Tigers for the remainder of this year.

After managing to break into Damien Hardwick's side for Richmond's Round 18 clash against Brisbane, Parker featured in the remaining matches for the season to add a further six matches to his career tally.

Richmond's manager of football talent Blair Hartley lauded Parker's resilience to fight back into the AFL system.

“Matt did not put a foot wrong after he joined us mid-year, as demonstrated by his quick elevation to the senior team,” Hartley said on the signing.

“We are excited to be able to keep him around for 2022 and look forward to seeing a lot more of him in Richmond colours.

“It is a credit to the work he has done behind the scenes to get himself back in a position to tackle a full AFL season ahead.”

Parker played 19 games for St Kilda between 2019-2020, booting 16 goals in the red, white and black.