Jack Graham to remain a Tiger, Essendon eye Gold Coast pair

Jack Graham to remain a Tiger, Essendon eye Gold Coast pair

Richmond midfielder Jack Graham appears set to remain a Tiger next season, having rejected an offer to join Port Adelaide.

Graham, a South Australian native, had met with Power coach Ken Hinkley and football-department staff this week, but has since told the Tigers he will not head to Alberton.

Industry sources now expect Graham, a two-time premiership player, to be a Tiger next season, and remain until the end of 2024 when he is a free agent. He has played 97 games for the club, and was last summer touted as a future captain.

Jack Graham is likely to remain a Tiger next season, having opted against joining the Power.Credit:Getty Images

The Tigers are expected to land Giants pair Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper through the trade period, each of whom is an elite midfielder, and could take minutes from the robust Graham.

Graham’s snub means the Power have lost out on two potential midfielders, for they had expressed strong interest in Josh Dunkley, the Western Bulldog opting to join the Brisbane Lions. The Power, though, will secure Junior Rioli, the West Coast small forward who wants to be closer to his family.

North Melbourne remain favourites to land Griffin Logue, the Fremantle defender keen to head to Arden St despite the uncertainty of Alastair Clarkson’s future. Industry sources expect the Kangaroos to offer a future second-round pick.

Griffin Logue is keen to head to Arden St, despite the uncertainty of Alastair Clarkson’s future.Credit:Getty Images

Essendon, meanwhile, are one club interested in Josh Corbett, the Gold Coast forward who has played 36 games and booted 33 goals in four seasons with the club.

Hawthorn are one of several clubs circling Jack Bowes, whom the Suns are happy to release and trade with pick No.7, as part of a salary dump. Geelong and the Bombers, the latter now with Brad Scott as coach, are firmly in the hunt as well.

Advertisement

Tom Mitchell has yet to inform the Hawks of any trade request, the 2018 Brownlow medallist having been linked to the Magpies, who are chasing a midfield extractor. Mitchell is contracted for next season.

The Hawks are holding their best-and-fairest count on Saturday night, with Mitchell likely waiting for this to be held before clarifying his future through the trade period, beginning on Monday.

Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.

Most Viewed in Sport