A young Tiger is set to snub a move after his shock club tour.
Plus the “sleeping” trade that will not go away.
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NO DEAL! TIGER STAYS PUT
Days after he was filmed touring Port Adelaide’s facilities, two-time premiership Tiger Jack Graham has reportedly snubbed a move to the Power.
Afl.com.au reports Graham has told Richmond he wants to stay at the club and see out his 2023 deal.
It’s believed Graham informed Tigers officials of his decision on Friday.
It’s a big move by the 24-year-old, who has been touted as a future captain at Tigerland.
He was stopped at Adelaide Airport on Wednesday where he told reporters he was just in South Australia “to see family”. Hours later he was then filmed entering Port headquarters and having a tour with club officials including coach Ken Hinkley.
There were fears Graham would be squeezed out by the likely arrival of Giants duo Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto, but he’s opted to stay and battle for a spot in Richmond’s best 22 instead.
Graham played in both of Richmond’s 2017 and 2020 flags, but missed the 2019 success through injury.
Graham is the second midfielder the Power has missed out on, following confirmation Josh Dunkley wants to play for Brisbane next season – and not move to South Australia where partner Tippah Dwan plays netball.
“I’m not in love with Jack Graham to Port – I don’t see the fit,” SEN’s Josh Jenkins said.
“They’ve already identified the need to add sizzle to their midfield – hence why (Connor) Rozee and (Zak) Butters have gone in there.
“Graham, excellent player, but he’s a grunt midfielder. He’s not an elite kick, he doesn’t have silky skills like Rozee and Butters.
“He’d be a great addition but I don’t necessarily think he’s what they need.”
Port Adelaide are still expected to land Eagle Junior Rioli, after he told West Coast he wanted a trade last month.
The Power landed pick 27 in next month’s draft as compensation for the exit of Karl Amon on Friday, and it’s expected that pick will go to the Eagles in exchange for Rioli.
Scott ready to lead Essendon to success | 11:11
Port Adelaide are also preparing to make a play for Cat Esava Ratugolea.
The tall ruck/forward met with Port coach Ken Hinkley and footy boss Chris Davies at club headquarters on Thursday.
The 24-year-old is contracted for next season, but hasn’t been able to break into the Cats’ best 22 this year.
The potential arrival of Magpie Ollie Henry, to join brother Jack at the Cattery, is another factor for Ratugolea to weigh up.
EX-POWER STAR STILL HEARING DEMON WHISPERS
Former Power star Tom Rockliff says he’s still hearing whispers about a premiership Demon and a potential move for 2023.
Kysaiah Pickett signed a contract extension with Melbourne less than a year after joining the club as a first-round pick in 2019.
He’s still got one year to run on that deal, but Rockliff says the Pickett to Port Adelaide whispers aren’t dying down.
De Goey signs on for five year extension | 04:15
“The sleeping one there’s enough noise around is Kossie Pickett,” he said on Triple M.
“I think he’s a possibility to be Port Adelaide colours next year.”
Pickett has played 62 games in his three seasons at the club, including the 2021 premiership win.
Just last week SEN’s Michelangelo Rucci said the Power would “aggressively pursue” Pickett, after they missed out on Josh Dunkley.
“Port’s definitely there, they’re asking the question quite often,” Rucci said.
“The real question there is, how much does Kysaiah want to accept what Port Adelaide put in front of him?
“Then it’d be going to Melbourne and saying, ‘Well, I want to go home’.
“Port might be in for the long game, but if you don’t ask, you’ll never get anywhere.
“They’re definitely keen to get Kysaiah Pickett to Alberton, there’s no doubt about that at all.”
