North tells of disappointment over star’s exit
NORTH Melbourne list boss Glenn Luff has opened up on the club’s ‘pretty disappointing’ loss of Robbie Tarrant to Richmond and revealed the Kangaroos’ plans to sign Tigers young gun Callum Coleman-Jones.
Luff also said the positions of Trent Dumont, Shaun Atley, and Tom Campbell on the list remained in limbo, and hinted at the club’s approach to incoming arrival Tom Lynch – as well as the upcoming AFL National Draft in which the club has pick No.1.
Luff told AFL Trade Radio that the club was seeking to hold onto its No.20 draft pick in trade negotiations with the Tigers over gifted young ruckforward Coleman-Jones, who has requested a trade to North.
“We’ve had some early discussions with the Tigers. We’ll put something to them pretty early in the trade period (which starts Monday) … Obviously what happens with Robbie Tarrant will have an effect on that,” he said.
“We’re pretty clear in our head what it would take. There’s plenty of history in terms of ruck-forwards and what they go for at that age.”
He added: “We’re keen to keep pick 20. 38 (another North Melbourne draft pick) – something around that region, that’s what history tells you gets these deals done. We’ll be looking in that area.”
Coleman-Jones could join through the pre-season draft if a trade deal can’t be struck, but Luff said: “I would have expected hopefully it doesn’t get to that point. ”
The Kangaroos list boss didn’t hide his disappointment at the departure of Tarrant after 14 seasons at the club, saying North offered him a ‘pretty similar’ two-year deal to that he signed at Richmond.
“Well, clearly we wanted Robbie to stay as a North Melbourne player … he’s an absolute great of our club,” he said.