Ora

Which Richmond Players Are Leaving?

Published in AFL Player Movement 3 mins read

Several key players from the Richmond Football Club have expressed their desire to depart, having officially requested trades away from the club. These requests indicate their intent to move to new teams during the trade period.

Players Requesting Trades from Richmond

The players who have requested trades and are seeking to leave Richmond are:

  • Liam Baker
  • Daniel Rioli
  • Shai Bolton

These players have formally communicated their desire to move clubs. While a trade request signals a player's intent to leave, the final decision often rests on negotiations between the clubs involved.

Player Name Status Notes
Liam Baker Requested Trade Has joined others in seeking a move from the Tigers.
Daniel Rioli Requested Trade One of the players Richmond is reportedly set to play hard ball on.
Shai Bolton Requested Trade Also among those Richmond is expected to negotiate strongly with.

Understanding AFL Trade Requests

In the Australian Football League (AFL), a "trade request" is a formal notification from a player or their manager to their current club, expressing their wish to be traded to another club. This process is a common mechanism for players to change teams.

  • Initiation: The player or their agent initiates the request, usually due to various factors like desire for more opportunities, a new environment, or a move closer to family.
  • Negotiation: Once a request is made, the player's current club typically enters into negotiations with other interested clubs to facilitate a trade. This often involves exchanging draft picks, other players, or a combination.
  • Not Guaranteed: A trade request does not guarantee a player's departure. The current club has the right to refuse the request if they cannot find a suitable trade or if they deem the player too valuable to lose. The player's contract status also plays a significant role.

Implications for Richmond

For Richmond, the trade requests from these important players present both challenges and opportunities. The club's stance is often crucial in these situations.

  • "Playing Hard Ball": The club is reportedly set to "play hard ball" regarding the trade requests for Daniel Rioli and Shai Bolton. This suggests they intend to drive a hard bargain, aiming to secure significant compensation (such as high draft picks or established players) if they are to let these key players go.
  • List Management: These requests force the club to assess its list management strategy, including potential replacements for departing players and the acquisition of new talent through the trade and draft periods.
  • Future Planning: The outcomes of these trade negotiations will heavily influence Richmond's list composition and strategic direction for upcoming seasons.