Richmond boost with Graham to stay a Tiger
Premiership midfielder Jack Graham has knocked back significant offers from several AFL clubs to remain a Tiger with the in-form midfielder set to sign a long-term deal with Richmond.
The 22-year-old was a star in Richmond's 2017 premiership, kicking three goals as he shut down Adelaide midfielder Rory Sloane in what was just his fifth game for the Tigers.
He then missed the 2019 grand final with a shoulder injury that he suffered in the preliminary final but remains a Tigers hero after playing out the preliminary final in obvious discomfort to help Richmond to a famous come-from-behind win over Geelong.
His decision on the eve of the finals is a huge boost to the Tigers as they look to win their third flag in four years.
Essendon, Carlton and Adelaide were interested in securing the South Australian who has now played 51 games with the Tigers, having proven a steal at pick No.53 in the 2016 national draft.
They saw him as bolstering their growing midfields as well as lending big-game experience to their young midfields, but loyalty and what could be as long as a four-year commitment from Richmond won the day.
Jack Graham will remain at Richmond.Credit:Getty Images
He has been among Richmond's best regularly since the middle of the season, not only as a defensive tackling machine but also showing his growing ball-winning prowess as he comes out of the shadows of the Tigers' midfield stars.
His decision opens the way for several other inside midfielders to potentially change clubs with Gold Coast's Will Brodie believed to be in the Bombers' sights while the Suns are interested in dual premiership Tiger Nathan Broad.
The Tigers head into the qualifying final against the Brisbane Lions as warm favourites, having won seven of their past eight finals and two of the last three premierships.
They have not lost to the Lions since round seven 2009.
Peter Ryan is a sports reporter with The Age covering AFL, horse racing and other sports.