Former Collingwood recruiter Matt Rendell has named Richmond as the club who should consider targeting former AFL player Nathan Freeman in the upcoming mid-season draft.
After being drafted with Pick 10 in the 2013 AFL draft, the luckless Freeman battled repeated injuries for Collingwood and St. Kilda, managing only two games in five years before he was delisted.
Following blistering form for Frankston in the VFL this season, the 25-year-old was one of over 400 other players to nominate for the mid-season draft.
Speaking on SEN's Dwayne's World, Rendell believes that the injury-riddled Tigers could potentially use Freeman's services.
“Nathan Freeman has been outstanding in the VFL, but I didn’t think he was going to nominate (for the mid-season draft),” Rendell said.
“I’m tipping that if he’s nominated, someone has told him that they’ll pick him. I’m thinking Richmond is the team that might want him with their injuries."
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Richmond is one of seven clubs that Zero Hanger last week named who could most use Freeman.
The reigning premiers have been decimated in this midfield this year, losing several big names to injury. Freeman, who has started the season averaging 41 disposals for Frankston, could offer the Tigers immediate help in the middle.
“Trent Cotchin is out with a hamstring injury and he has a history of them, Shai Bolton has a broken wrist and is he going to come back and be any good?," Rendell added.
“I don’t think there’s anyone that will help a club from a flag point of view besides if someone takes Nathan Freeman in the top eight (of the draft).
“Richmond are ninth (on the ladder at the moment), he is a chance to help someone.”
The biggest question for recruiters will be whether they believe Freeman's troublesome body can hold up at AFL level.
Richmond will be hoping their injured cavalry can return this week, with Dion Prestia, Shai Bolton and Trent Cotchin all big chances to return against the Crows on Sunday.