Gold Coast don’t need more pimply kids, but the Tigers do: Why a Rioli trade could be on
Michael Gleeson
Richmond need to seriously consider the Gold Coast Suns’ interest in Daniel Rioli.
This is not a reaction to another bad loss given the injuries at Punt Road, but recognition of the depth that needs to be addressed. Rioli could bring in multiple picks in return.
Rioli in the next five years is worth more to Gold Coast than he is to Richmond. That is not a reason for Richmond to trade him, but it is a reason why his trade value might be high. In terms of players who can bring in quality picks, Rioli would be valuable.
The Suns have a plethora of first- and second-round selections this year. After last year’s heavy trading they have two first-round picks and an end of first-round, as well as two second-round picks in this year’s national draft.
A player of Rioli’s age and skill set is more important to them than another precocious, pimply kid in the draft.
Richmond's Sam Banks was concussed after being flipped accidentally mid air by Bulldog Tim English.
Thus, they can afford to pay relative overs in a trade sense than what Rioli would command from another club. If he can potentially generate a decent first-rounder as part of two picks inside 20, the Tigers would have to consider it.
When Richmond took Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper they were hoped to be the players who could keep them in flag contention as they regenerated on the run. It hasn’t worked out. The reasons for that are myriad, but none more so than the fact Tom Lynch has been injured for most of the time they have been there, as has Josh Gibcus.
Yes, the picks the Tigers gave up were in COVID-affected drafts that turned out to be more of a lottery than other drafts, but still losing that volume of early access to the draft comes at a cost.
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