Richmond’s Busy Off-Season: Departures and New Prospects on the Horizon

As Richmond heads into October, the club is set to be one of the most active teams in the league with several expected departures. Liam Baker and Shai Bolton are both anticipated to leave, with Baker yet to choose between the Eagles or Dockers, while Bolton is confirmed to join Fremantle. Additionally, Daniel Rioli is poised to reunite with Damien Hardwick at the Gold Coast Suns. Jack Graham is currently deliberating over four-year contract offers from both the Eagles and Tigers.

Richmond’s list manager Blair Hartley and rookie recruiting manager Chris Toce face a significant task in navigating essential negotiations ahead of the draft this November. The Tigers are expected to make several top-end picks as they undergo a substantial list overhaul.

Despite the anticipated changes, Richmond will retain veteran Dion Prestia on a one-year deal. Meanwhile, the retirement of key players Dustin Martin, Dylan Grimes, Marlion Pickett, and Sam Naismith has opened up new dynamics within the team. Notably, Martin has reportedly expressed interest in joining Gold Coast for 2025.

The future of players such as Kamdyn McIntosh, Thomson Dow, Noah Cumberland, and Matt Coulthard remains uncertain, with Cumberland and Coulthard particularly at risk of being left out as the player movement period approaches. As the club prepares for a transformative off-season, Richmond fans and analysts alike are keenly watching how these changes will shape the team’s future.