Richmond’s long search for another ruckman appears over, with Kieren Briggs confirming he will leave Greater Western Sydney as an unrestricted free agent.
The 26-year-old is expected to join the Tigers when the AFL free-agency period opens in October, although Richmond has not formally announced his signature.
AFL.com.au reports that the Tigers have offered Briggs a four-year contract as they attempt to strengthen their ruck division around captain Toby Nankervis.
Because Briggs is an unrestricted free agent, GWS will not have the right to match Richmond’s offer or prevent him from leaving.
Giants Admit They Could Not Retain Briggs
GWS football boss Jason McCartney confirmed the club was unable to keep Briggs, ending any lingering uncertainty surrounding his future.
“Kieren has been a valued member of our playing group over a long period of time both on and off the field,” McCartney said.
“It’s always a tough time of the year when we need to say farewell to good people, but unfortunately we were not in a position to retain Kieren moving forward.
“We wish Kieren and his family all the best for the next chapter and thank him for his service to the Giants.”
The statement confirms Briggs’ departure but does not formally confirm Richmond as his destination. That distinction remains important until the free-agency paperwork is lodged.
However, the reported four-year offer and Richmond’s extensive pursuit of ruckmen make the Tigers the overwhelming favourites to secure him.
Richmond Finally Finds Its Ruck Target
Richmond has spent much of 2026 searching for another established ruck option capable of supporting Nankervis and eventually succeeding him.
The Tigers reportedly made a lucrative long-term approach to Briggs’ GWS teammate Nick Madden, but the emerging big man recommitted to the Giants.
West Coast ruckman Bailey Williams was another Richmond target before he elected to remain with the Eagles.
Briggs now appears to be the player Richmond has finally convinced.
At 26, he fits the Tigers’ list strategy better than a short-term veteran. He is experienced enough to contribute immediately but young enough to remain part of the club’s plans throughout its rebuild.
Nankervis has carried a considerable physical burden during his Richmond career and cannot be expected to operate as the club’s sole frontline ruckman indefinitely. Adding Briggs would allow the Tigers to divide that workload while preparing for life beyond their captain.
It could also give Richmond the option of playing both men, depending on how its forward structure develops.
Briggs Brings More Than Hitouts
Briggs has played 88 AFL matches since GWS selected the Giants Academy product with pick 34 in the 2018 national draft.
His career developed slowly before a breakout campaign in 2023 established him as the Giants’ leading ruckman.
According to his official GWS profile, Briggs led all AFL ruckmen for clearances per game that season while ranking third for tackles and sixth for disposals among players in his position.
That physicality should appeal to Richmond.
Briggs is not simply a tap ruckman. His contested work, tackling and ability to operate as an additional midfielder at stoppages would complement a Tigers midfield containing Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper and emerging younger players.
Richmond is still developing and Briggs alone will not transform it into a finals contender. However, securing a proven first-choice ruckman without surrendering a draft pick represents sensible rebuilding business.
What Will GWS Receive?
The Giants will be eligible for AFL free-agency compensation if Briggs completes his anticipated move.
The precise compensation will be determined by the AFL using a formula that considers factors including the player’s age and the financial value and length of his new contract.
A four-year agreement should strengthen the possibility of useful compensation, but no specific draft selection can be treated as confirmed until the league completes its assessment.
GWS’s decision not to retain Briggs also continues a significant period of list change following the confirmed departures of veteran forwards Jesse Hogan and Jake Stringer.
Losing an established No.1 ruckman is another substantial blow, particularly when the club cannot force Richmond to negotiate a trade.
For the Tigers, that is precisely what makes the move so attractive.
After missing out on several ruck targets, Richmond appears ready to secure an experienced, physically imposing replacement without sacrificing any of its draft capital.
The signing is not official yet, but Briggs’ departure from GWS has cleared the biggest remaining obstacle.
