There was a universally acknowledged grace period afforded Adem Yze when he took control of a footy club in free fall.
The Tigers had accepted their fate. The faithful were content - how could they not be after three flags in four years? But more than that, they understood some lean years were in front of them.
Richmond had embarked upon a period of transition. The head coach, the CEO and the overwhelming bulk of the playing list that had featured in such a fairytale period for the yellow and black were now just faces in framed photos that Yze infamously sought to pull from the walls early in his reign, that the club may point their focus forward.
That grace period is approaching its natural conclusion, and Yze's win-loss ledger needs semi-urgent squaring.
The club's draft focus was a necessary one, and its hauls, historic. As yet, glimpses are all fans have seen of the princes that were promised, as most of the clubs's cubs are perpetually hampered by injuries of varying significance.
SEE MORE: Five trade targets for the Essendon Bombers
The kids will be a large part of the pitch put to trade targets as the club get busy courting some of the league's brightest names, with the next phase of the rebuild on the horizon.
But just who are some of the names the Tigers have been tied to, and who are some realistic targets that will meaningfully lift this side's ceiling?
Take a look!
1Zak Butters
Butters' signature is the the second biggest prize in football this season.
The inspirational Port Adelaide dynamo is handling his impending free agency with an admirable unflappability, consistently turning in exceptional performances while his name and speculation around his future lead panel shows and inform talkback radio segments.
Richmond's war chest has been made public in recent times, as has the initial, eye-watering offer the club put to the 25-year-old.
Security in the form of an eight-year term, a figure in the realm of $18 million and the promise of captaincy are all believed to be facets of the deal put to Butters' management by Blair Hartley and co.
There's no doubt Butters makes any side in the competition better, and he'd more than fill a need in Yze's structure. The Tigers are well placed to negotiate with Port Adelaide - something that will likely be necessary given the 'restricted' nature of his free agency - courtesy of their draft hand, spate of young talent and salary cap room. Can they edge out clubs currently in the window, however? Time will tell.
