Tigers in hunt for Bachar Houli

[Tay_]

RICHMOND is poised to acquire Essendon midfielder Bachar Houli, possibly in a swap for Richard Tambling.

Tambling's future at Punt Rd appears all but over following interest from several clubs, including Essendon.

Negotiations between the Tigers and Houli's management are well down the track to secure the disgruntled 22-year-old, who failed to play regularly in the past three years at Windy Hill under recently sacked coach Matthew Knights.

Richmond, which has plenty of room to manoeuvre within its salary cap, is in discussions with several players at rival clubs to switch to Punt Rd following the retirement of Brownlow medallist Ben Cousins.

The Tigers hope to recruit Houli via a trade next month, or push him through to the pre-season draft where they could pick him up without Essendon receiving any compensation

In the December pre-season draft, the Tigers, who finished 15th this year, have third pick after Gold Coast and wooden-spooner West Coast.

A popular player with Essendon supporters who often queried his non-selection, Houli is likely to be offered an initial two-year contract to switch clubs.

The outside midfielder has attracted first-year Richmond coach Damien Hardwick's attention with his foot skills and ability to accumulate possessions, particularly against strong opposition.

Houli was one of 39 players used at senior level this season by the Bombers, but played only five games, spending most of the season in the VFL.

He averaged 20 possessions this season, with his best performances being against top-eight clubs Carlton, with 25 disposals in Round 3, and St Kilda, gathering 24 touches and seven marks in Round 18.

The third-round selection in the 2006 national draft has played 26 games in his four years at Windy Hill.

Tambling, 24, is contracted for another two years, but it is believed the Tigers are amenable to a trade.

The first-round national draft selection in 2004 has played 108 games in six seasons

[Tay_]

I love reminding Richmond fans about the 2004 National Draft:

1. Brett Deledio (Richmond)
2. Jarryd Roughead (Hawthorn - everyone thought they would pick Tambling)
3. Ryan Griffen (Western Bulldogs)
4. Richard Tambling (Richmond)
5. Lance Franklin (Hawthorn)

They chose Tambling ahead of Franklin

[Muslim4Life]

I love reminding Richmond fans about the 2004 National Draft:

1. Brett Deledio (Richmond)
2. Jarryd Roughead (Hawthorn - everyone thought they would pick Tambling)
3. Ryan Griffen (Western Bulldogs)
4. Richard Tambling (Richmond)
5. Lance Franklin (Hawthorn)

They chose Tambling ahead of Franklin

To be fair to richmond it wasn't just them who picked a lesser player before Franklin.

[Tay_]

To be fair to richmond it wasn't just them who picked a lesser player before Franklin.

Yeah I guess so, although Griffen is a top midfielder, way ahead of both Tambling and Deledio.

[Muslim4Life]

Yeah I guess so, although Griffen is a top midfielder, way ahead of both Tambling and Deledio.

It's really only been the last couple of years that Griffen has been really good.

Even know I reckon most people would still say he has not lived up to his full potential. Most people also still rate buddy as the best of those top 5.

[SammerTX]

I love reminding Richmond fans about the 2004 National Draft:

1. Brett Deledio (Richmond)
2. Jarryd Roughead (Hawthorn - everyone thought they would pick Tambling)
3. Ryan Griffen (Western Bulldogs)
4. Richard Tambling (Richmond)
5. Lance Franklin (Hawthorn)

They chose Tambling ahead of Franklin

[SammerTX]

It's really only been the last couple of years that Griffen has been really good.

Even know I reckon most people would still say he has not lived up to his full potential. Most people also still rate buddy as the best of those top 5.

Most rate him top 5 in the AFL.