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Richmond decides to keep rivals guessing
By Jake Niall
December 19 2002
In a pre-season draft that promises precious little drama, Richmond will provide the intrigue, keeping rival clubs guessing about whether it will participate until its name is called.
The Tigers effectively have the first "live" pick in tomorrow's pre-season draft, but have been coy about whether they will use the pick or pass.
"We'll wait and see what happens on Friday," said Richmond football director Greg Miller. He said the club had made a decision on the strategy it would pursue, but it did not wish to disclose whether it would use its pick until tomorrow.
"We're under no obligation. We don't have to disclose." Richmond has room in its cap for a player and a spot on its list, but the threadbare pool of uncontracted and delisted players has led it to consider ditching the draft and running another player short.
The Tigers had expressed interest in delisted Brisbane utility Craig Bolton, who wants to play for Sydney.
Richmond, as the club with the first live pick (St Kilda has already committed to Stephen Powell), could pick Bolton before the Swans, but may pass if, as expected, Bolton puts a price on his head and nominates, as part of his conditions, a two-year contract. Bolton has until 2pm today to nominate terms and conditions for the draft.
Geelong, meanwhile, has ruled out drafting former Cat and Magpie Carl Steinfort - meaning the 2002 grand final player's AFL career is probably over.
If Richmond pulls out of the draft, only five clubs will be left with picks: St Kilda, Sydney, Geelong, Melbourne and Collingwood. Adelaide was eligible to take part, but has opted to stick with its list of 37 plus two veterans.
Melbourne is considering re- drafting midfielder Guy Rigoni, whose 2002 season was ruined by a serious back injury.
The lack of clubs and picks means that, once again, the pre- season draft will take a back seat to the rookie draft that follows it.
Most clubs will have four or more selections in the rookie draft.
Richmond decides to keep rivals guessing
By Jake Niall
December 19 2002
In a pre-season draft that promises precious little drama, Richmond will provide the intrigue, keeping rival clubs guessing about whether it will participate until its name is called.
The Tigers effectively have the first "live" pick in tomorrow's pre-season draft, but have been coy about whether they will use the pick or pass.
"We'll wait and see what happens on Friday," said Richmond football director Greg Miller. He said the club had made a decision on the strategy it would pursue, but it did not wish to disclose whether it would use its pick until tomorrow.
"We're under no obligation. We don't have to disclose." Richmond has room in its cap for a player and a spot on its list, but the threadbare pool of uncontracted and delisted players has led it to consider ditching the draft and running another player short.
The Tigers had expressed interest in delisted Brisbane utility Craig Bolton, who wants to play for Sydney.
Richmond, as the club with the first live pick (St Kilda has already committed to Stephen Powell), could pick Bolton before the Swans, but may pass if, as expected, Bolton puts a price on his head and nominates, as part of his conditions, a two-year contract. Bolton has until 2pm today to nominate terms and conditions for the draft.
Geelong, meanwhile, has ruled out drafting former Cat and Magpie Carl Steinfort - meaning the 2002 grand final player's AFL career is probably over.
If Richmond pulls out of the draft, only five clubs will be left with picks: St Kilda, Sydney, Geelong, Melbourne and Collingwood. Adelaide was eligible to take part, but has opted to stick with its list of 37 plus two veterans.
Melbourne is considering re- drafting midfielder Guy Rigoni, whose 2002 season was ruined by a serious back injury.
The lack of clubs and picks means that, once again, the pre- season draft will take a back seat to the rookie draft that follows it.
Most clubs will have four or more selections in the rookie draft.
