Richmond stars Liam Baker and Shai Bolton raised eyebrows with their ‘farewell’ speeches at the club’s best and fairest night, amid rising tensions following a disastrous wooden spoon season. The Tigers are bracing for a mini-exodus of players, with unease at an all-time high.
The atmosphere at Tuesday’s Jack Dyer Medal event was tense, with Richmond president John O’Rourke seemingly taking a jab at the departing players. He praised the loyalty of those staying with the club to help guide the younger players through the next phase of development. O’Rourke also commended triple premiership winner Nathan Broad, who won his second consecutive Francis Bourke Award—given to the player who best embodies the club’s values—for his commitment and signing a new contract.
“Just by way of example … how fortunate are we to have players of the character of a Nathan Broad,” O’Rourke told the function on Tuesday night. “I know through this year, I’m sure he could have explored options to see out his career in his home state or perhaps look for more lucrative options with other clubs. But he chose to extend for a further two years … what a Richmond man.”
His dig comes as three players who want to leave Richmond ahead of next season finished in the top five of the club’s best and fairest vote, won by Daniel Rioli. Rioli who wants to reunite with Damien Hardwick at the Suns next season, polled 40 votes, while Baker and Bolton – who both have requested trades – tied for fifth with 30 votes each.
Dual premiership midfielder Jack Graham is also anticipated to leave Richmond during the 2024 AFL Trade Period. While Graham can exit as a free agent, the Tigers are expected to negotiate trades for Shai Bolton, Liam Baker, and Daniel Rioli when the 10-day trade period kicks off on Monday.
Tuesday’s awards night served as a stark reminder for Richmond fans of the high-caliber players departing the club. The atmosphere grew even more uncomfortable when Baker and Bolton delivered emotionless farewell speeches, further highlighting the difficult transition the Tigers are facing.
Liam Baker and Shai Bolton, both key players in Richmond’s 2019 and 2020 premiership triumphs, finished tied for fifth in the Jack Dyer Medal count. However, their brief and seemingly detached farewell speeches—uploaded to X—drew significant backlash from fans.
Baker expressed his gratitude but remained distant, saying, “It’s been a great year, and I appreciate everything the club has done for myself and my family over the years… I’m looking forward to supporting the club from afar.” Bolton’s speech was equally short: “I just want to thank my teammates, coaches, and my partner Hasina… That’s it from me. So thank you.” The lack of emotion in their statements sparked outrage among Tigers fans, with some labeling the speeches as “disrespectful and disgraceful.”
One fan commented, “Horrendous and classless… I’m not a Richmond fan, but if that’s all they’ve got to offer the club and its supporters, you should be happy they are leaving.”
Meanwhile, Richmond legend Dustin Martin has shut down speculation about a potential return to AFL with the Gold Coast Suns. Although there were reports that his management had been in contact with the Suns about reuniting with former coach Damien Hardwick, Martin dismissed the rumors during the Tigers’ best and fairest night, telling *Channel 9* that he is “happily retired.” Former Tigers captain Trent Cotchin had previously stated that there was almost no chance Martin would reverse his decision to retire, despite the ongoing speculation.
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