Did Richmond’s poaching of ex-GWS stars Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper work out for both the Tigers and Giants?
Former Essendon star Scott Lucas believes the moves may turn out to be win-wins given how well Tom Green has stepped up in the absence of his former teammates.
Richmond sent GWS a future first-round pick as well as picks 12, 19 and 31 for the pair, and while the Giants would have been sad to lose the two midfielders, they would have felt they were well-compensated at the trade table.
With the Giants pleased with their haul and how Green has performed, and Richmond happy with Taranto and Hopper’s early work despite the club’s struggles, Lucas believes the trade moves have worked out for both sides.
“It’s the domino effect we talk about and how trades can potentially work for everyone,” Lucas told SEN Crunch Time.
“I've raised it because of the increased speculation around that through the week with Taranto and Hopper.
“They were excellent performers on Saturday, two critically pivotal players in Richmond getting a win (over West Coast).
“But what it's opened up with the Giants for Tom Green … he's getting greater midfield minutes, he was dropped last year, which when you think on reflection is crazy, but he was outstanding last night.
“Perhaps the story of the game, was his performance and he almost got them there and not a lot went right for the Giants, but I just think that that (midfield opportunity has) opened up for him.
“You also have Taranto and Hopper that are performing extremely well for Richmond and it's not their fault (the Tigers are struggling).”
Lucas, who is also a player agent, believes that Green re-signing with the club in February until the end of 2027 was also helped by Taranto and Hopper’s departures.
“He (Green) is a young star, he would have been looking at opportunities in the midfield and the money that’s created (with Taranto and Hopper leaving),” Lucas said.
“His management group would have seen where he fits within the team and what they're going forward and that's how you create the value.
“They would have known the exposure he would get to the midfield this year and knowing how good a player he will be.”
Green confirmed his status as GWS’ main midfield man with a three-goal, 38-disposal performance in the loss to the Bulldogs on Saturday night and Lucas says it was a coin flip between he and Marcus Bontempelli for best on ground.
“38 disposals and three goals, and the goals, they were at critical times, they got them back into the game,” Lucas said.
“He pushed forward hard, he challenged Bont going the other way and Bont was outstanding as well.
“It was a coin flip on who was the best on the ground.”
Taranto kicked two goals and had 30 disposals while Hopper kicked one and had 32 touches in Richmond’s 46-point win over West Coast on Saturday.