Senior AFL reporter Caroline Wilson says young ruck-forward Callum Coleman-Jones “owes” Richmond amid reports he may knock back a contract extension to sign with a rival club.
It’s reported Coleman-Jones has been offered a two-year deal by the Tigers but is yet to sign the paperwork, and Gold Coast and North Melbourne are two rivals circling if he decides not to stay at Punt Road.
But Wilson is of the opinion the 22-year-old should accept the Richmond offer even if it’s worth less money.
“Richmond wants to keep him, and has offered the 200cm ruckman-forward a two-year deal. I say Callum Coleman-Jones owes the Tigers,” Wilson told Footy Classified.
“Probably he sits third in the ruck pecking order, and ditto as a developing key forward.
“What’s past is past, but a good manager and a strong support network would remind this player that his late-night COVID breach on the eve of the finals last year ultimately cost the club $100,000 out of their soft cap and some dreadful publicity. Not to mention a lengthy suspension on the eve of the finals when Richmond’s ruck stocks were low. It reflected badly on everyone at Richmond.
“And then remember the players’ union dug in when Richmond suggested the players should foot some of the bill. Callum Coleman-Jones, it’s pretty clear to me what is the right call here.”
Footy Classified panelist Kane Cornes disagreed with the suggestion Coleman-Jones should stay at the Tigers regardless of money or circumstance.
Cornes reiterated his belief it is the “perfect opportunity” to let experienced key forward Jack Riewoldt explore his options at rival clubs “to give (Mabior) Chol and Coleman-Jones the opportunities that they haven’t had”.
“You can’t blame a player for staying again and playing 15 games in the VFL and four in the AFL because he’s sitting behind Riewoldt and (Tom) Lynch again, you can’t blame him for exploring those options elsewhere Caro,” Cornes said.
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Wilson fired back.
“Completely disagree, Kane, and he actually played eight games this year,” she said of Coleman-Jones.
“I think Chol will probably go but if Richmond want to keep Coleman-Jones, I think he owes the club.”
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