Port Adelaide has reportedly put forward a four-year contract offer to Joe Richards, a quick and versatile player currently with Collingwood. Richards, who is 24 and in his second season with the Magpies, has to decide on his future as his current contract expires soon.
Richards joined Collingwood in 2022 as a mature-aged recruit after impressing with his performances at Wangaratta in the Ovens and Murray Football League. Despite his promising potential, Richards had to be patient in his first year, spending most of his time playing in the VFL, where he participated in 14 games, and also dealing with some injuries.
This season, Richards made his AFL debut in Round 9 against West Coast, and he made an immediate impact. Over his first three games, he averaged 17.3 disposals and scored one goal per game, demonstrating his capability at the top level. His opportunity came when several key forwards, including Beau McCreery, Jamie Elliott, and Lachie Schultz, were sidelined due to injuries or suspensions.
Despite this strong start, Richards has struggled to secure a regular spot in Collingwood’s senior team, playing in only eight AFL games this season. The return of the aforementioned forwards, along with the presence of Norm Smith Medal winner Bobby Hill, has limited his chances.
Richards remains unsigned for next year, which has sparked interest from other clubs, particularly Port Adelaide. According to 7 News reporter Mitch Cleary, Port Adelaide has offered Richards a lucrative four-year deal, which is likely to be more attractive than any offer Collingwood might make. Cleary noted on the Tradies Podcast that Port Adelaide has shown serious intent in securing Richards, similar to their pursuit of Esava Ratugolea last year. The Power are eager to bolster their small forward line and have identified Richards as a key target.
Port Adelaide’s pursuit of Richards follows their unsuccessful attempts to recruit forwards Will Hayward, Ben Ainsworth, and Tyson Stengle. While other clubs like Fremantle and Essendon have previously been linked to Richards, Essendon is expected to secure Isaac Kako in this year’s National Draft, and Fremantle might instead focus on acquiring Richmond’s Shai Bolton and Liam Baker.
Port Adelaide, on the other hand, sees Richards as a potential asset who could add much-needed speed to their forward line. This would complement the efforts of players like Willie Rioli, who is a key ground-level threat. Currently, Port Adelaide’s small forward group, including Darcy Byrne-Jones and Sam Powell-Pepper, is more defensively oriented. Richards, with his pace and ability to create opportunities in space, could bring a dynamic edge to their attack.
As Richards weighs his options, the decision will hinge on whether he sees a future at Collingwood, where competition for spots is fierce, or whether he is tempted by the security and potential role at Port Adelaide. The offer from Port Adelaide is seen as a significant one, and Richards will need to make a choice about where he believes his career can best flourish.
