RICHMOND general manager of football Dan Richardson says Ben Lennon will almost certainly be a Tiger next year, despite him not having yet signed a new contract.
The 20-year-old was the No.12 pick in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft but was dropped for Richmond's elimination final against North Melbourne earlier this year.
However, Richardson told NAB AFL Trade Radio on Thursday that Lennon was happy at the Tigers and will continue to wear the yellow and black.
"Ben's certainly not disgruntled," Richardson said.
"Like any player would be, he was disappointed to miss out on selection in that last game.
"Ben's really happy at Richmond, we want him to stay. I'm really confident he'll stay."
Richardson said the issues between the club and player had come down to figuring out a contract that both parties could be happy with.
"We've been really strong in what we're trying to achieve with our player payments," he said.
"Over the last few years, getting all our players to buy in to the fact that if you want to have success and stay together, there may be some sacrifices that need to be made.
"Ben's just getting his head around that and I'm sure he will."
In an expansive interview, Richardson also said:
- Former Geelong player Steve Johnson won't be at the Tigers due to his age.
- Richmond is "still interested" in GWS midfielder Adam Treloar, who looks likely to head to Collingwood even though the Giants are in talks with multiple clubs about him.
- Fellow GWS midfielder Jacob Townsend is likely to become a Tiger for a pick later than No. 31.
- The Tigers are looking for a first-round pick later than their existing No. 12 to get Chris Yarran from Carlton.
- Richmond is "very reluctant" to let contracted defender David Astbury leave, but says it could happen to help the Tigers open up other trade options.
