Carlton Faces Broad Plans as Richmond Ends 2026 Run

carlton is watching Nathan Broad enter his final season at Richmond, with the 33-year-old defender expected to head back to Western Australia at season’s end. He remains unsigned beyond this year, and his next move could open the door to another club without a trade if he chooses to keep playing.

Broad’s Richmond exit

Cal Twomey said on AFL Media on Wednesday that Broad was into his final year at Richmond and looking to move back to Western Australia. Broad played in Richmond’s three premierships between 2017 and 2020, which puts his departure in the frame as more than a routine list decision for a veteran player.

“Nathan Broad is into his final year at Richmond.”

“The three-time premiership player is looking to move back to Western Australia.”

That leaves Richmond with a senior defender in his last season and no deal beyond it. Broad is 33, has not signed past this season, and is eligible for unrestricted free agency.

Fremantle and West Coast

Twomey said Fremantle and West Coast were aware of Broad’s desire to return west. “Fremantle and West Coast are aware of that,” he said on Wednesday, setting up a straight list-management decision for both clubs if Broad does decide to play on.

His status matters because unrestricted free agency gives him a direct path out of Richmond. “He’s an unrestricted free agent, (so) he can walk there,” Twomey said, leaving the Tigers without a trade return if Broad selects another club as a player.

“Whether he joins as a player or not remains to be seen.”

The practical outcome for Richmond is simple: Broad can leave on his own terms, and any pursuit from Fremantle or West Coast will hinge on whether they want a 33-year-old triple premiership defender back in Western Australia. For Broad, the decision sits at the end of this season, with his next step now public and both WA clubs already aware of it.