Former Bomber Sam Lonergan is one of three recycled players picked up by Richmond in the pre-season draft. Picture: Jon Hargest. Source: Herald Sun
RICHMOND should be aiming for a top-four finish after yesterday's dramatic influx of recycled players, former assistant coach David King says.
"They need a slice of luck and they need some midfield players to come along with Trent Cotchin, but they are certainly in very good shape to attack the top four," he said.
"If (Reece) Conca and (Dustin) Martin spike up and become good players the world is their oyster."
Richmond, which has not made the eight since 1991, yesterday rookie-listed former Geelong ruckman Orren Stephenson, ex-Essendon midfielder Sam Lonergan and delisted Melbourne forward Ricky Petterd.
The Tigers also picked up Adelaide half-forward Chris Knights and key defender Troy Chaplin as free agents and swapped pick 74 for North Melbourne forward Aaron Edwards in the trade period.
The club last night warned against outlandish expectations, however.
Head of football Craig Cameron said the Tigers were simply adding experience to a team that was at times close to the youngest in the competition last year.
Profiles of every recruit in the Draft Tracker
"Apart from the expansion sides last year we were either the youngest or second-youngest list, depending on which side we played," he said.
"In the last four years we have been keen to improve our average games of experience and bringing some more mature players in helps.
"We have brought a whole heap of younger players in over the last four years, including four 18-year-olds at the national draft, and one more 18-year-old as a rookie yesterday.
"So we have looked after our future in terms of the national draft and we have taken (experienced players) as rookies."
King believes the club should dare to dream big, given the new acquisitions and Richmond's recent recruiting successes.
"The number one thing is their list has improved and that brings a level of expectation," he said.
"The list rebuild has been done very wisely but with the guys they have got in, if they can get similar output from the fresh faces as they did last year they are every chance to shoot for the top four."
Richmond, which has set as its goal a finals berth next year after 11 consecutive barren Septembers, also took Murray Bushrangers midfielder Cadeyn Williams.
Stephenson has been taken as back-up for first-choice ruckman Ivan Maric but Petterd has been a dangerous forward when injury-free and Lonergan will add midfield depth.
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