Kane Cornes believes Richmond would prefer to keep Mabior Chol over Callum Coleman-Jones, with both key forwards out of contract.
Chol is an unrestricted free agent and can walk to any club of his choosing, while Coleman-Jones would need a trade to leave Tigerland.
Both have reportedly attracted interest from numerous rival clubs.
Cornes believes Chol’s versatility gives him an edge over his teammate.
“The player that can play forward like (Mabior) Chol can but also ruck, every team wants one,” he told AFL Nation.
“A lot of teams aren’t prepared to play two rucks but they need their ruck to have a rest, so if you can rest forward and be equally as effective there, it’s just so valuable.
“I think Coleman-Jones has a bigger future in holding down a key position but Chol, for that versatility that he gives you, is vital.”
The pair played similar roles in 2021, Coleman-Jones averaging more goals while Chol averaged more hitouts.