ORREN Stephenson will continue his career as a mature-aged rookie at Richmond next season despite the recruitment of Carlton ruckman Shaun Hampson.

Hampson became a Tiger on Monday, the first day of the Gillette AFL Player Exchange Period, in a trade for Richmond's second-round draft selection.

The Tigers recruited the 25-year-old to support No.1 big man Ivan Maric, who they'd like to spend more time up forward in 2014.

But his arrival won't affect the future of Stephenson, who played six games this season in his first year at Punt Road as Maric's back up.

The Tigers remain committed to Stephenson, with football manager Dan Richardson confirming to AFL.com.au on Tuesday his position was secure for next season.

Last month, Maric said he believed the popular 31-year-old would be given another year in the yellow and black.

"I expect him to be around next year. It would be great for our club," Maric told AFL.com.au.

"I think he's been fantastic for our club's culture. He's such a good person, a good family man, and we're lucky to have him.

"He's a great competitor as well."

The four-time VFL premiership player joined the Tigers in the NAB AFL Rookie Draft last December.

Before that, he played in three flags with North Ballarat ahead of a season with Geelong on the club's senior list.

He played in the Geelong VFL team's 2012 victorious Grand Final side before the Cats delisted him after securing North Melbourne ruckman Hamish McIntosh.