The Tigers expect to make six or seven changes to the list, with a number of players’ futures still to be determined, but the club is staying the course and believes radical change is not necessary despite the team’s disappointing fall this year.

Richmond was seen as a potential destination for Frawley, but the club feels it is well-served for key backs, given Alex Rance’s return, the improvement – prior to injury – of David Astbury, with Dylan Grimes and Jake Batchelor also able to provide support.

But the Tigers are keen to find a stronger key forward to support Jack Riewoldt and feel they need more midfield class. They have made a midfielder or key forward their priority for the   draft, in which they are assured of a top 10 choice and could have one as high as five to seven depending on results.

Richmond is not likely to be aggressive in free agency, partly because few of the players potentially available fit their age profile. Fremantle’s David Mundy, 29 next month, is considered too old for the Tigers, who are more likely to get involved in trades  than chasing expensive free agents.

The club’s measured optimism – and wish to avoid radical change – is based on a view that the core of its  side remains relatively young, with Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin, Riewoldt, Rance, Brandon Ellis, Nick Vlastuin and Reece Conca all in their mid-20s or younger, and Brett Deledio still 27.

The Tigers signed a number of players on one-year contracts, which gives the club flexibility. Veterans Chris Newman and Jake King are among those out of contract, along with  Ben Griffith.

St Kilda and the Brisbane Lions are both keen on drafting a key forward, with Geelong Falcon Patrick McCartin and giant forward/ruck Peter Wright from Calder Cannons viewed, at least at this stage, as the obvious early selections, though recruiters say there are  fewer  standouts this  season.