The Richmond Tigers have announced the return of Nick Austin to their list management department, some eight years after he departed the storied club.

With two decades of experience now behind him, Austin joins a department headed by Blair Hartley, as the Tigers look to build out their next premiership squad around the nucleus of high-end young talent procured at the most recent National Drafts.

Between the years of 2011 and 2018 inclusive, Austin was a list management and recruiting officer for the Tigers, calling time after the first of the Tigers' three recent flags, landing the national recruiting manager role at the Western Bulldogs.

After two National Drafts at the Kennel, Austin moved to Carlton where he was head of list management until May of this year.

Austin's most recent handiwork at Princes Park included trading up to land Jagga Smith, procuring Harry Dean, orchestrating the Charlie Curnow trade (one that looks better in hindsight), and the drafting of Talor Byrne and Billy Wilson - two players who received Rising Star nominations this year, alongside the aforementioned pair who stood on the top two rungs of that award's podium.

Blair Hartley spoke glowingly of Austin's return to Tigerland, in a statement released by the club on Monday.

“Nick has enormous experience in the industry and has built a successful career across analysis, list management and recruiting,” Hartley said.

“As the game continues to evolve, particularly in the list space and with the addition of a 19th team, having someone of Nick's credentials and experience will be important for us moving forward.

“He will be a huge asset for our club, and we are delighted to welcome him and his family back to Richmond.”

Free agency commences on October 2nd, while the trade period begins on October 5th.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION