Richmond named ‘front runners’ for $18 million star

It is no secret that Richmond under Adem Yze are in need of some top talent to help push this rebuild into overdrive.

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We have seen the Tigers struggle since Yze took over, and that was to be expected, but now fans want to see tangible results. But they haven’t gotten them.

Having attacked the draft for the past couple of seasons, the thought is now the Tigers need to complement that with some top-liners to help fill out Yze’s squad.

But the question is who. Who could the Tigers target to bring in some star power, but also to be a driving force behind what they hope will be their next successful period?

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Well, while some think that the Western Bulldogs or Hawthorn are in for Port Adelaide star Zak Butters, but as it turns out, there is a sleeper in the conversation according to Chris Dittmar who was on 104.7 Triple M Adelaide…and it’s Richmond.

“The speculation that goes on and on about Zak Butters’ future can get tedious, so when you actually get some factual news, I find it interesting,” Dittmar said. “I can tell you this morning, Richmond is the absolute frontrunner.

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“There’s a deal on the table now for $18 million over eight years. It averages out at $2.25 million per year, up front there will be 3-4 million (per season) in the first couple years.”

Are Tigers right for chasing Butters?

Well, they would be foolish to not at least entertain the thought, right?

For a club that you can argue needs an injection of superstar talent, Butters fits the profile, plus he is in the prime of his career.

One could only imagine what bringing Zak to Punt Road would do for Richmond, but that price Dittmar is talking about is eye-watering.

It is clear the Tigers have the cash to splash, despite Port Adelaide stating they will match any offer, so a trade would need to be facilitated to get Butters in the door.

Still, with the sweepstakes heating up for Butters, we now have three teams seriously interested in the Port star.

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And at $18 million, that is a pretty penny to pay for one of the league’s best.