In a strategic move ahead of the 2024 AFL Draft, the Richmond Football Club has bolstered its draft position by acquiring another first-round selection through a pick swap with the reigning premiers, the Brisbane Lions. This trade allows both clubs to position themselves favourably for the upcoming draft, aligning with their respective recruitment strategies.

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Details of the Trade

Richmond has secured pick No.20 from Brisbane in exchange for four selections:

  • Second-round picks: No.32 and No.42
  • Third-round picks: No.43 and No.45

This exchange significantly increases Brisbane’s draft points, which are crucial for matching bids on Academy prospects.

Brisbane’s Strategy: Loading Up on Draft Points

The Lions are amassing draft points to secure two highly rated Academy prospects:

  • Levi Ashcroft
  • Sam Marshall

According to the AFL’s Draft Value Index (DVI):

  • Pick No.20 (acquired by Richmond) is valued at 912 points.
  • Picks No.32, 42, 43, and 45 (acquired by Brisbane) have a combined value of 1,704 points.

This means Brisbane has effectively gained an additional 792 points, enhancing their ability to match early bids for Ashcroft and Marshall during the draft.

Richmond’s Strengthened Draft Position

With this trade, Richmond now holds two first-round picks:

  • Pick No.1
  • Pick No.20

There is potential for the Tigers to acquire even more first-round selections through possible deals involving:

  • Daniel Rioli (linked to Gold Coast)
  • Liam Baker (linked to West Coast)
  • Shai Bolton (linked to Fremantle)

These moves could position Richmond to secure top-tier talent or facilitate further strategic trades.

Additional Moves by the Lions

Shortly after the deal with Richmond, Brisbane executed another trade with Carlton:

  • Brisbane receives:
    • Second-round pick: No.34
    • Fourth-round pick: No.66
  • Carlton receives:
    • Brisbane’s future second-round pick
    • Fourth-round pick: No.73

This trade provides Brisbane with an extra 613 points in this year’s draft (the difference between the points value of the picks received and those traded away). This further enhances their ability to secure their desired Academy players.

Implications for the Draft

Brisbane’s accumulation of draft points underscores their commitment to securing Ashcroft and Marshall, who are expected to attract early bids from rival clubs.

For Richmond, holding picks No.1 and No.20 offers significant flexibility:

  • Drafting Elite Talent: They can select highly rated young players to bolster their squad.
  • Trade Opportunities: These valuable picks can be used in negotiations to acquire established players or additional assets.

Conclusion

These strategic trades highlight the maneuvering that AFL clubs undertake during the trade period to position themselves favorably for the draft. Both Richmond and Brisbane are making calculated moves to secure their future success.

As the draft approaches, it will be intriguing to see how these picks are utilized and which emerging talents will don the colors of Richmond and Brisbane in the upcoming season.

Stay tuned for more updates on AFL trade news and AFL draft developments. What are your thoughts on these trades?