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!
2Nick Madden
Toby Nankervis has been a combative warrior for this Richmond side for almost a decade, and has three premiership medallions to show for it.
But the toll of the ruck role is starting to tell. Nankervis is a lot closer to the end of his career than the start, and the Tigers could do a lot worse than to put contingencies in place for life after their current skipper.
A 'Moneyball'-type acquisition could be GWS' emerging ruckman Nick Madden.
A Giants' academy graduate, the New South Welshman could be reluctant to leave the club, but Richmond have leverage in the form of their 'big four' status. Burgeoning MCG crowds, a larger profile, business opportunities and the like are part of the package with Victorian powerhouses such as the "Tigs", and something many have struggled to look past in recent times.
After just six outings at the top level in four years west of the Harbour City, a fresh start could appeal to Madden just as much as a Nankervis replacement appeals to Richmond.
