With the AFL’s annual trade period drawing to its customary frantic finish, Richmond has moved to re-sign six of its players.

The Tigers have secured the services of versatile backman Jake Batchelor for a further two years (until the end of the 2016 season), while determined, young defender Matt Dea, talented, young utility Matt McDonough, promising, young big man Todd Elton, and experienced utility Ricky Petterd, have all accepted new one-year deals with the Club.  Tough, inside midfielder Matt Thomas has re-signed as a rookie-list player for a further year as well.

Batchelor, 22, was a solid performer in defence throughout Richmond’s nine-game winning streak during the second half of the 2014 season.  He didn’t break into the Tigers’ senior line-up this year until Round 12, but kept his place for the remainder of the season, playing 13 games, to take his overall tally to 52 since debuting in 2011.

Dea, who turned 23 last Monday (October 13), played seven consecutive games for Richmond, from Round 10-16, before spending the rest of the season at VFL level, where he produced impressive form.  He has played a total of 31 games with the Tigers, after making his league debut in 2010.

McDonough showed glimpses of his undoubted potential in seven senior games throughout his second season of AFL football.  The 20-year-old, who has now played eight league games all-up, also was a consistent performer in a variety of roles for Richmond’s standalone VFL team during the season, including half-back, half-forward and midfield.

Elton, who has played just one senior league game with Richmond (in 2012), made solid progress at VFL level in 2014.  The 197cm, 92kg, 21-year-old showed good signs, adapting to a different role as a key backman.

Petterd, 26, was a valuable contributor in the Tigers’ senior side this year.  He played 17 games, averaged 17.8 disposals per match, kicked 12 goals and attacked the ball with his customary ferocity.

Thomas, who was a rookie-list selection by Richmond in late 2013, following an eight-season career at Port Adelaide, earned a promotion to the Tigers’ senior list early this year.  The 27-year-old went on to play 13 senior games, averaging 20.4 disposals and 9.3 contested possessions.