Richmond coach Adem Yze has complete faith that 2024 Pick 1 Sam Lalor will commit long term to the Tigers.
Lalor, currently sidelined with a partial Achilles injury, has been linked to Tasmania this week, alongside close mate Finn O'Sullivan, with his first AFL contract expiring at the end of next year, coinciding with the Devils' AFL entrance.
“(We're) fully confident (he signs long term),” Yze said on Friday.
“He's knocking on the door of our leadership group already.
“He understands how important he is to us on and off the field. Our players love him, the Tiger army loves him and we're trying to put in a process right now to get him back out there doing what he does best and that's obviously performing at AFL level.
“He's a highly regarded and much loved member of our footy club and no doubt (list manager) Blair (Hartley) will show him the love with the contract we're going to put in front of him.”
Unsurprised about the links given Lalor's status in the competition, Yze appeared unfazed about where things sit.
Just six members of the top 20 from 2024's AFL National Draft have signed beyond their initial three-year-contracts, with none of Lalor or teammates Jonty Faull, Taj Hotton or Josh Smillie yet putting pen to paper.
“We talk to him everyday. There is always going to be links," Yze said.
"I think every player that's out of contract and if I was Tassie, you'd be looking at the best available talent, who's available and out of contract and you start from the top and there's a reason you'd be speaking to Sammy Lalor, because he's one of the best players in the competition.
“And he knows that, he knows how valuable he is here and those discussions with Blair would be happening right now and securing his signature for a long term deal at our footy club because he's an amazing person, he's a great Richmond man and I know how much he loves the footy club and we can't wait to see what he produces when he gets back out there.”
