Gold Coast has denied any talks with Richmond regarding a potential deal that could see Tigers defender Daniel Rioli joining the Suns in exchange for two first-round draft picks.
Daniel Rioli, under contract until the end of 2027, has been identified as a potential trade target for the Suns in 2024, with reports suggesting coach Damien Hardwick’s interest in reuniting with the three-time premiership player.
Recent reports hinted that Gold Coast might be willing to offer two of their three first-round picks in this year’s draft to Richmond in exchange for Rioli.
Gold Coast currently holds Picks 7, 8, and 20 in the opening round of the National Draft, including the Western Bulldogs’ pick and the final selection of the first round via North Melbourne’s assistance package pick. The latter pick could be pushed to around the mid-20s due to matched bids for father-son and Academy prospects, potentially further delayed by free agency compensation.
Wayne Campbell, Gold Coast’s football boss, clarified in an interview with SEN on Thursday that the Suns have not proposed offering two early selections to Richmond for Rioli, stating that no such discussions have taken place.
Campbell emphasized the sensitivity of discussing players from other clubs, especially those under contract, and highlighted the careful approach required in pursuing players like Rioli who are contracted for several years.
Regarding clubs meeting with players during the season, Campbell acknowledged it as a longstanding strategy in list planning, noting the need for discretion, particularly when players are under long-term contracts.
Daniel Rioli has played 174 games for Richmond since his debut in 2016, initially as a small forward during the Tigers’ premiership successes before transitioning to a defensive role under Hardwick, where he excelled. In 2022, Rioli earned All-Australian squad honors in his first season at half-back and finished as runner-up in Richmond’s best and fairest count.