Richmond interim coach Andrew McQualter has shut down reports that midfielder Dion Prestia is seeking a trade back to Queensland.
SEN’s Sam Edmund recently reported that Prestia was open to returning to Queensland, with his former club Gold Coast and Brisbane both aware of the possibility.
Rumours intensified when Prestia was managed for Richmond’s final match of the season against Port Adelaide, however McQualter cited a knee concern as the reason, not trade talk.
“Dion’s been managing a knee for a few weeks now and it just blew up a little bit after last week’s game,” he told SEN’s Crunch Time.
“The reality is he could’ve played if it was a Grand Final, but we just thought that it was not worth taking the risk with Dion if he wasn’t going to be fully fit.
“We were really keen to bring a fit and hungry side over here, so that’s what we’ve done.
“I’m not sure where that report came from about Dion or who reported it, but Dion’s a contracted player with us and he has no intention of leaving.”
McQualter also touched on his situation as the Tigers continue their search for their next head coach, claiming that he is not focusing on that just yet.
“I’ve really been head down bum up just in the role up until after this weekend’s game, and then my intentions will turn towards the process of the job,” he said.
“At the end of the day, I’ll just give it the best crack I can and if the club feels like I’m the best feel for the job then great, but if not I’ll always be appreciative of what I’ve been able to do.”
If a fresh face was named for the vacant role, McQualter admitted that such a decision may lead him out the door at Punt Road.
“It’s probably something I’ll have to weigh up, which I think is understandable after such a long tenure,” he said.
“And particularly if a new coach came in, I’m not sure if they’d want me around to be honest.
“We’ll just get there when we get there and make those decisions as they come along.”
McQualter will be searching for an upset win against the Power at Adelaide Oval, which may boost his chances of securing the top job.