Tigers tight-lipped on Prestia interest

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick admits being a fan of Dion Prestia but he’s tight-lipped about the Tigers’ interest in the Gold Coast star.

Prestia has reportedly nominated Richmond as his destination of choice during the trade period, with some suggestion he has even discussed terms of a contract.

“We don’t comment on those matters. He’s an incredible player but we’ll just wait and see what happens over the course of the next couple of months,” Hardwick said on Friday.

“We’re a big club so people always link good things and bad things to us at stages, but we’ll just control what we can control.

“Our list management and trade philosophy we’ll keep in house. We’re always looking to better our list, but so are 17 other clubs in the competition.”

Securing Prestia’s signature would be a huge boost for a club in dire need of one after a disappointing season that followed on from their unsuccessful attempt to lure former Greater Western Sydney star Adam Treloar.

A busy off-season looms for Hardwick and his list management team.

Richmond are unlikely to move out of 13th spot, with the pressure on to make good on Hardwick’s assertion they are capable of bouncing back into the finals next year.

Impending free agent Ty Vickery’s future remains up in the air, but Hardwick again pledged his support for the struggling key forward who won’t play against Sydney at the SCG on Saturday.

“He’s got a bit of a sore hand, so we’re not sure he’s even going to play (in the VFL),” he said.

“(But) Ty is a quality guy, he’s an incredibly important part of our future. He’s kicked close to 30 goals this year and has consistently over the course of his career.

“As far as we’re concerned he’s part of us.”

The Tigers will unveil exciting youngster Mabior Chol against the Swans after he’s worked hard to add 10kg of bulk to his frame in his first season at Punt Road.

At 31, popular ruckman Ivan Maric may have played his last game for the club after managing just three senior appearances this season.

Hardwick said no call had been made on his future as yet, but said a dual playing-coaching role wasn’t out of the question.

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