As many as three rivals are reportedly chasing off-contract Richmond defender Tylar Young.
Young remains without a deal for 2026 at Punt Road as the Tigers look to settle their list for Adem Yze’s third season at the helm.
Richmond’s list bats deep down back, having Ben Miller, Noah Balta, Josh Gibcus, Luke Trainor and Campbell Gray all featuring in 2025, along with Young, who played seven games under Yze this year.Â
Young was drafted to the Tigers as a rookie out of their VFL program in 2022, and made his debut the following year, eventually featuring in 19 games for the season.
That total would be a career-best across his three seasons, with the 196cm key defender playing just 18 since.
Young has shown strong glimpses against the game’s best forwards but has been challenged to keep his spot in the senior side, with his current contract situation now said to be earning the attention of rival clubs.
According to News Corp, Young has interest from North Melbourne, West Coast and the Western Bulldogs, who are all keen to bolster their backline.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 27: Tylar Young of the Tigers is congratulated by team mates after kicking a goal during the 2024 AFL Community Series match between Collingwood Magpies and Richmond Tigers at Ikon Park on February 27, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
The Roos have been tied to Melbourne’s Jake Lever, who could bring needed experience, while Young, who turns 27 later this week, is a better age match for an emerging North Melbourne unit.
The Dogs are in a fight for wantaway Blues backman Jack Silvagni, who also has suitors in Essendon and St Kilda, while the Eagles will look to reshuffle their key position options after losing Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass over the past 12 months, as well as preparing to be without forward Oscar Allen.
While off-contract, Young is not eligible for free agency, and would have to request a trade away from Tigerland if he wanted a move, assuming the Tigers also look to retain him.
If the Tigers opt not to extend Young’s services, he can walk to a keen rival as a delisted free agent later in the off-season.Â