Today it was confirmed on the AFL website that Richmond Tigers have pulled out of the race for Harley Bennell.
In a strange turn in events, after Bennell was photographed enjoying his birthday with Tiger Dustin Martin, Richmond appear to have completed a backflip on what appeared to be a done deal.
There are two possible scenarios being reported by different sources close to the club.
The first is that Harley Bennell had been out partying with Tiger Dustin Martin until 5am on Saturday and had kicked in a cubical at a night club. This kind of behaviour was exactly that which Richmond wanted to curb if they were to employ the troubled young star. It is believed Richmond have opted to stay away from the risks associated with Harley,
The other scenario which has been reported by people close to the club that Richmond had indeed already tabled an offer to Harley Bennell which they have now removed as a result of playing "hardball". The offer was believed to start at $500,000 a year matching the young stars contract at Gold Coast. Richmond have made it appear they are not willing to part with $500,000 and a first round pick to obtain the young gun as the risk is too high. However, this could all be an attempt to reduce both his contract value and trade value to secure a bargain at the end of trade week.
This scenario will be monitored heavily with trade week opening this Friday.
Further, there have been suggestions that Richmond may be in talks with an unnamed star of the competition. While this information appears suspect this may explain the removal of any contract offer for Harley Bennell whilst they pursue this other player. There is speculation this player could be one of Sydney's young guns as there is expected pressure on their salary cap this off-season and a number of players already being paid well below their market value.
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