Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale has downplayed speculation that the reigning premiers are leading the race to lure key forward Tom Lynch away from Gold Coast.
The 25-year-old Suns co-captain is out of contract at season’s end, and has already garnered big interest from clubs in his native Victoria.
The Tigers have emerged as a surprise front-runner for his services, with Herald Sun chief football writer Mark Robinson stating that Richmond are “up to their eyeballs” in their pursuit of Lynch.
However Gale says that his club are months away from discussing any list changes beyond 2018.
“(Lynch) is contracted with his club,” he told SEN Afternoons.
“He’s a fine young player and I’d imagine there would be 17 other clubs who would be interested in him, but that’s way down the track.”
Gale assured that the club’s massive deal to re-sign 2017 Brownlow Medallist Dustin Martin last year will have no impact on their ability to lure big name players from other clubs.
“If there are players that would like to come to our club that suit our list management strategy, we’ve got the capacity to play in that market,” he said.
“We’re always hungry. We’re always keen to improve our club in any way possible.”
The Richmond CEO also touched on the club’s future development plans at spiritual home Punt Road Oval, stating that the famed Jack Dyer Stand at the ground could be demolished in a bid to modernize the ground.
“There would be a range of different options you’d have to explore,” said Gale.
“Clearly if that were the case, there would be extensive consultations.
“It’s an option, and all options are on the table. We love the venue, it was our 133rd anniversary yesterday…it’s a really important part of our brand, but we are land-locked and limited in the extent we can develop that, so we have to use every square centimetre.”
The Tigers kick off their 2018 season against Carlton in their traditional season opening clash on Thursday March 22.
Listen to Brendon Gale chatting with Andy Maher on SEN Afternoons below: