I agree with your sentiments entirely.
First, Richards is a half-back flanker, at best. Given his lack of numbers at TAC he has no proven ability as a ball winner. You do not use pick 10 to get yourself a guy who maybe might become a useful half-back flanker or might become a DVR. Birchall, an obvious exception, had height to be an outside wingman, forward as additional strings to his bow. There is nothing wrong with recruiting a midfielder who, not making it in the middle is able to play off a half-back flank.
Secondly, despite the injury to Doc, we are not badly off for half-back flankers. Simmo, Byrne and Williamson can all play there with Plowman, Macreadie and Mullett other options. SOJ has played there also and into the future McDaid, if he makes it, is likely to play through the position. Ok, . . . and Daisy if we have to.
Thirdly SOS is a strategic thinker. He showed that with the recruitment of McKay first then Curnow, "knowing" Adelaide would have snapped up McKay but leave Charlie alone because of, yeah, attitude. If he doesn't want information as to what he is thinking to leak he doesn't allow that information to leak. That we have apparently shown an interest in Richards, leading some insiders to leap to the conclusion he is our man doesn't make sense if we really want him. It DOES make sense if we can create a bit of a buzz about Richards and maybe get a plum to drop into our lap.
The Pies recruiting/trading has been almost as bad as ours from 2013-15. Imagine recruiting Dunne and delisting O'Keefe and Schade. Just crazy. And Mayne was stark raving mad. The Pies think their midfield is strong and they probably need KPDs and KPFs. They are linked to D Fogarty because, I suspect, they have heard he could become the best player in the draft. Sending out the sniff that Richards is a potential top 10 player and thus invited to Sydney does not make taking him at 6 seem such a stretch. And of course they would love to take the grandson of a legend. And hate him going to the Blues 4 picks later to become a star. They could just take Richards, if they don't take Stephenson.
If either happens our prospects of picking up D Fogarty or Clark jump significantly, one of whom I suspect we would grab if available.
If it doesn't work and Stephenson's medicals are poor I reckon we will go LOB who looks fine to me. I would be very, very surprised if SOS has the slightest intention of taking Richards, and not particularly happy if that matters.
