Three-time premiership defender Nathan Broad has rejected interest from Gold Coast to re-sign with Richmond on a two-year deal, while wingman Marlion Pickett has earned a well-deserved pay rise.
Broad recently became the quickest player in the AFL era to win three flags (70 games), and the Suns were keen to poach him for next year.
But the 27-year-old decided to stick with the Tigers for at least another two years.
The Suns will now turn their attention to signing Richmond defender Oleg Markov, who was an emergency for this year’s grand final and is keen to join Gold Coast.
Pickett has proven to be a fairytale story since being taken by Richmond in the mid-season draft last year just a week after breaking his finger.
The 28-year-old recovered to make his AFL debut in last year’s grand final win over Greater Western Sydney, and he now has two flags in just 20 games after being part of the side that beat Geelong in this year’s decider.
Pickett has been on a basement salary for the past two years, but his new two-year deal is reportedly worth close to $1 million.
Rookie small forward Jake Aarts, who kicked 14 goals in 14 games this season, has also re-signed on a two-year deal.
“Since coming to the club from the WAFL and VFL respectively each player has worked hard to establish themselves at AFL level and contribute to our recent success,” Richmond’s general manager of football talent Blair Hartley said.
“The premierships have been a fantastic reward for Nathan and Marlion, and Jake is another who had a terrific season and significant impact this year.”