MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 23: Paddy McCartin of the Saints offers goal kicking tips to Tom Hickey of the Saints during a St Kilda Saints AFL training session at Linen House Oval on March 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Richmond legend Kevin Bartlett has called for his former side to make a play for St Kilda forward Paddy McCartin in the upcoming off-season.
McCartin has struggled to cement himself in Alan Richarson's side since he was selected with the number one pick in the 2014 National Draft, playing just 19 games from a possible 50.
Injuries have been a problem for McCartin in the early years of his career, as the 194cm key forward has suffered multiple concussions at both the senior and reserve level.
Josh Bruce and Tim Membrey have held their spots for Friday night's clash with GWS, despite McCartin booting seven goals for Sandringham last weekend.
Barlett believes the Tigers should make a run at McCartin should he fail to break into the side, citing Richmond's lack of a second key tall as the reason they should attack the 21-year-old.
"St Kilda takes centre stage tonight against the might of the GWS Giants," Bartlett said.
"Fresh from destroying the once powerful Hawks last week in Launceston and the Saints reputation as a top finals chance exploded after their 75-point victory.
"Yet I still don’t think they can beat the Giants tonight but just quietly I hope they do for it will make it more difficult for Paddy McCartin to get back into the senior side.
"McCartin would be a great fit for the Tigers – through my yellow and black eyes!
"The No. 1 draft pick is playing reserves footy and is into his third year without establishing himself as a regular.
"Richmond needs another forward key position player badly.
"Tyrone Vickery is a Hawk, Ben Griffiths sadly has concussion issues and Todd Elton is not the answer up forward.
"McCartin booted seven goals last week in the reserves and still no recall.
"All the talk is the Saints are chatting with the Giants midfield star Josh Kelly and Nat Fyfe keeps getting mentioned.
"The Tigers should start having a quiet word with McCartin.
"I’m KB, that’s my take."