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Richmond have completed their first move of the 2015 trade period, bringing across midfielder Jacob Townsend from Greater Western Sydney.
The Tigers gave up their fourth round draft pick, currently pick 70, and will receive Townsend and the Giants’ seventh round pick, currently pick 120, in return.
Townsend was originally recruited to the Giants as a NSW-ACT zone selection that they held as part of their establishment concessions.
He has played 28 games for the Giants across four years without every really cementing himself in the Giants’ best side, and played just a single game this year, against Melbourne in Round 23.
“Jacob was one of our first NSW-ACT zone selections and his story reflects the ongoing need for talent pathways in that region,” said the Giants’ general manager of football Graeme Allan.
“He played 11 games in his first season but has since seen limited opportunities at senior level. We wish Jacob well and thank him for his contribution over the past four seasons.”
A hardened inside midfielder, Townsend is renowned for his tackling pressure, and the Tigers are hoping he will flourish at Punt Road.
Richmond recruited Anthony Miles as a rookie from the Giants two years ago and have developed him into a consistent senior player, they will be hoping to see Townsend make a similar transformation.
“A big-bodied midfielder is something we consider is a real need for us,” said Richmond’s general manager of football Dan Richardson.
“We think that Jacob will provide the sort of midfield grunt that we need some more of, and he will provide good support in the midfield.
“We’ve been watching GWS clearly quite closely over the last few years – not only their AFL team, but also their NEAFL team.
“We recruited Anthony Miles from the Giants a couple of years ago, and we are confident Jacob will make the same sort of impact Anthony has had over the last two seasons.”
The Giants gain little out of the deal, with pick 70 unlikely to come into play for them, but were happy enough to complete the trade and help Townsend seek greater opportunity.
Amusingly, they also sent pick 120 back the other way, which appears to be the latest draft pick ever used in a trade.
DONE: Midfielder @JacobTownsend31 becomes a Tiger in trade with GWS – http://t.co/WRoMGpCt67 #gotiges pic.twitter.com/uUsY4cxzkO
— Richmond FC (@Richmond_FC) October 16, 2015
TRADE DONE – GIANTS receive @Richmond_FC's 4th round pick (currently 70) for Jacob Townsend http://t.co/Jol3V1Pmw8 pic.twitter.com/U4sF9BGa7x
— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) October 16, 2015