Tigers learn compensation pick as Graham joins Eagles

Updated

RICHMOND has received Band 4 compensation, which is currently pick 42, for losing free agent Jack Graham to West Coast on a four-year deal.

Graham confirmed his desire to move to the Eagles on Monday, choosing a fresh start in the west despite a four-year contract offer from the Tigers.

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On Tuesday, the AFL announced the Tigers would receive Band 4 compensation, which is a pick at the end of the second round. It means, as it stands, the Tigers have received pick 42 in this year's Telstra AFL Draft for losing Graham.

The news comes after the AFL handed out Band 1 compensation to St Kilda and Collingwood last week after they lost Josh Battle and Harry Perryman respectively, while Isaac Cumming's free agency move to Adelaide netted Greater Western Sydney Band 2 compensation.

On Monday, Geelong footy boss Andrew Mackie labelled the first-round picks for Battle and Perryman "generous" after the Cats' first round pick slipped from 15 to 17 due to the compensation.

"It felt generous with a couple of those guys," Mackie told Continental Tyres AFL Trade Radio on Monday.

"By definition, it means they're in the top five per cent of paid players in the comp. So that's what gets you tier one or band one, which lands them there."

Mackie suggested first-round draft picks should remain untouched by the free agency compensation, adding St Kilda's president Andrew Bassatt - who last week slammed the AFL's draft and free agency system - would be thrilled with the compensation the club received for Battle.

"I think there's ways where you can quarantine the first round in compensation. So it's a bit to work through there," he said.

"Andrew Bassatt would be feeling really good about things. Strategically well timed."

The Eagles' interest in Graham had been reported by AFL.com.au for some time, with the Tigers lifting their original contract offer to four years to try and keep hold of the 26-year-old.

However, Graham has opted to move to the Eagles on a four-year deal.

"Jack will add another mature and experienced body to our midfield mix, and he is in the age profile we are looking to bolster amongst our squad," Eagles list boss Matt Clarke said.

"His professionalism and leadership will also be valuable for our developing playing group."

Graham played 130 games at the Tigers after being selected with pick 53 in the 2016 National Draft, debuting in round 22 the next year and famously kicking three goals in the 2017 Grand Final win against Adelaide, just his fifth senior match.

He missed the 2019 premiership after dislocating a shoulder in the preliminary final, and was replaced by Marlion Pickett in one of the most talked about selections in recent years.

"I'm just so grateful for the Richmond Football Club for giving me the opportunity eight years ago," Graham said.

"I have met some amazing people along this journey, and it is tough ... but it is something that I thought I needed for myself. A new chapter and a new challenge.

"Jordy and I are very excited by that, but at the same time, it is sad to say goodbye to so many good people."