The Eagles have had a less than ideal season 2021, however still amazingly find themselves inside the eight despite some harrowing displays.
It seems as though Adam Simpson and his side's time in the sun is up, with many of their major stars heading into the twilight years of their careers and the competition starting to pass them by.
However, the slide down the table and into a rebuild might not be as painful or lengthy as it could be should the Eagles backroom staff get it right over the next few years.
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In no particular order, here are five players which the Eagles recruitment team would do well to target and potentially poach.
The Cats speed demon is off-contract at the end of season 2022 and might be looking for a way out of Kardinia Park should his playing time not increase over the next 12 months.
The 2020 Grand Final Sprint winner hasn't exactly hit his straps at the Cattery since he went pick 15 in the 2018 national draft, but still has age on his side being only 20 years old.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
He featured heavily in his 2019 debut year, playing 18 matches under Chris Scott prior to an elbow injury. However the midfielder only managed three appearances in a stunted 2020 and seven so far this year, meaning he is clearly on the outer at Geelong.
Should he fail to break into the team next year expect rival clubs to be sniffing around especially those in his home state of WA, with the Dockers reportedly already on the case.
The Eagles could use a next-generation midfielder to complement the likes of Andrew Gaff, Elliott Yeo, Tim Kelly and most importantly the up-and-coming Luke Edwards as the side goes through a transitional phase.
Shai Bolton, although tipped to stay at the Tigers, could be on the move should circumstances unexpectedly change.
Bolton has been one of Richmond's best players this season, with his quick feet and ability to consistently create moments of sheer brilliance making him one of the most exciting players in the league.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
The WA-native has been electric, averaging 21.3 disposals, 5.6 inside 50s and 4.3 stoppage clearances per game - elite or above average numbers for his position.
What the Eagles would be getting if they managed to snag the 22-year-old is a ready-made match winner who can compete at the highest of levels consistently.
The only caveat to this would be his price-tag, with the midfielder set for a huge payday no matter where he lands.
A bit of a left-field recommendation is three-time Tigers premiership player Nathan Broad.
Despite being maligned by Richmond fans when performances don't go to plan, Broad is in his own right a solid prospect down back.
He is able to float in and take intercept marks, highlighted by his average of 6.7 intercepts per game - an elite figure for a defender.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
On top of this, he is able to affect a contest and averages 3.9 spoils per game, another elite figure for his position, and runs at 83.9% efficiency by foot.
The fact of the matter is that Shannon Hurn is nearing the end of his career at nearly 34 years of age, and the Eagles need a solid defender to slot into the backline once he hangs up his boots.
Broad wouldn't take up a big chunk of the salary cap and would likely be happy playing back in his home state in a solid rearguard.
The Dees young gun is likely to stay in Melbourne for the foreseeable future, but it would be wise for the Eagles to throw their hat in the ring should things change.
Jackson is a fantastic ruck/forward who has been in incredible form for Simon Goodwin's side in his breakout season.
He has featured in almost every game for Melbourne in 2021 and pops up at crucial points in the game down forward to kick important goals.
Ruck
Hitouts
Marks
Disposals
With Nic Naitanui getting towards the twilight years of his career, it might be wise for Adam Simpson's side to invest in a new ruckman who can have a similar effect to the 31-year-old.
With Jackson hailing from Perth there may come a time when he wishes go back west, whether that will be with the Dockers or Eagles is still yet to be seen.
However should the Eagles have the cap space at the time, then Jackson should be at the very top of their list.
The Giants forward exploded onto the scene in season 2020, booting eight goals in just his first three matches of AFL football.
Since then however, Riccardi hasn't been able to hit his stride as well as he did, only managing a pair of goals in the six matches he's been selected in this year.
Despite this, there is no doubt that the man has talent and he will eventually crack on and develop if he is given the right amount of playtime.
The 21-year-old is off-contract at the end of season 2021, and there would be a few suitors looking at him keenly should the Giants not tie him down.
Despite being from WA, Riccardi could be tempted into a switch to the Eagles should the right money be waved in front of him.
He would slot in nicely alongside the likes of Oscar Allen and Jack Darling during a transitional period for the club and would gain some invaluable match experience as well.