Amid uncertainty surrounding the future of Brisbane star Zac Bailey, Richmond has been called on to make a late play for the two-time All-Australian.
The Tigers remain in the race for Port Adelaide free agent Zak Butters, but are viewed as the third horse in the running behind Geelong and the Western Bulldogs, despite the Punt Road club being believed to be putting forward more than $2 million per season for the Power midfielder.
With Richmond tipped to miss out on Butters, the AFL Trade Show's Mitch Keating believes the money set aside for the wantaway onballer should be put toward a last-minute bid for Bailey.
The premiership Lion is believed to be keen on staying in Queensland; however, the size of Adelaide's offer is understood to be turning his head.
With Richmond potentially able to blow both parties out of the water with a sizeable offer of their own, a play for Bailey 'would make sense' for the Tigers.
"Easier said than done, but it'd make sense if they looked at Zac Bailey, who wants to stay in Brisbane, but his head is being turned by money," Keating said.
"If [Richmond] have had this $2 million deal set aside for Zak Butters... you don't have to use all of that on Zac Bailey, but he'd be a perfect fit for Richmond as that mid-forward hybrid.
"He'd get a lot of good midfield minutes over the next couple of years, and then hand the keys over and act as that rotation player that he currently is.
"I think that'd be a great move for Richmond. But, again, it sounds like Adelaide or Brisbane for him, and they might be too late to make that call."
Bailey's decision will have a "domino effect" on the rest of the AFL trade period, with the Lions keeping tabs on in-form Western Bulldogs forward Arthur Jones, who is yet to decide on his future.
One of the Dogs' top performers in the club's Wildcard Final win over Collingwood last Friday, Jones also has interest from Essendon, while the Bulldogs are keen to retain the Western Australian.
Seen as a contingency option if Bailey does depart, Jones could be an ideal successor for the reigning premiers.
"It's that domino effect. You lose a forward-midfielder, and you try to gain one with what Arty Jones would be able to bring to the Lions," the AFL Trade Show's Aidan Cellini said.
"He was phenomenal for the Bulldogs (against Collingwood), and has Essendon (as a keen suitor) as well. The Dogs are really keen to keep him.
"It will depend what the offer is, what they can offer him in terms of position and role. I wouldn't be surprised if he does stay, as he's starting to hit his straps after a few years in the system with injuries and form, but this year has been a breakout year for him."
