Richmond fans left dumbfounded as WA mid-season draftee Jacob Blight delisted by Tigers

Furious Richmond fans have turned on the club after their “mind boggling” call to axe West Australian product Jacob Blight.

The mature-aged recruit was selected with pick No.2 in the 2024 mid-season rookie draft and went on to play 10 games, showing promise as he was tried as both a forward and defender.

The 23-year-old played in seven games this year, including their shock round one win over Carlton, but fell out of favour towards the end of the season, despite picking up 17 touches in his final game against Geelong.

Blight was one game away from hitting a one-year trigger in his contract, but was never named in the squad again.

Coach Adem Yze bizarrely claimed at the time he was not aware of the trigger.

One hour after confirming his delisting on social media — alongside fellow Tiger Jacob Koschitzke — all but six of 151 comments on an Instagram post were blasting the club over the decision to cut Blight.

“What the hell has Jacob Blight done other then out all effort in to stay in the team and confirm a spot in the 22,” one user wrote on Instagram.

“Why did they bother bringing Blight over from WA? A waste of his time - he was not given a chance at all!,” another said.

“Blight is going to be a great player, I’ve just lost a bit of faith in the Tigers list management team.”

“Blight revenge game will feed generations,” another wrote. “Don’t have to be dead to be stiff.”

The club did not give reasoning for his cut, only wishing him well in a brief statement.

“We thank both players for their hard work and application during their time at the club,” football talent manager Blair Hartley said.

“Jacob (Blight) moved across the country to play with the club mid-way through last year, and we thank him for his commitment during his 18 months with us.

“We wish them both well for their future pursuits.”

The Tigers are eager to clear up list spots as they enter the draft with another strong hand, but many questioned letting go of Blight, with fans accusing the club of mothballing him.

“Really disappointed with the decision to not offer Blight a contract extension, thought he played pretty well in my opinion but didn’t get chance,” Craig Young wrote in response to the announcement.

“Should have kept Blight and actually given him a go. Hope he finds a bright future. Sad loss,” wrote Sharon Gallaway.

“That’s a blight on the club letting Blight go…. He’s going ok!,” Stephen Ash said.

“Blight looks amazing, what are we doing?” another said.

“Letting Blight go is actually really strange. I thought he played really well at senior level and I’m surprised he wasn’t played more,” X user Mick G posted.

Many predicted Blight would find a new home back in WA particularly with West Coast looking to bolster their defensive stocks following the loss of Tom Barrass and Jeremy McGovern in the past two seasons.

“Blight looked fantastic, was there something he did to get on the club’s bad side? Because I can’t work that out. Surely he gets to another club and goes well,” Chris Lane said.

“Blight is going to get picked up by West Coast and we are going to look stupid,” Nick Ash concurred.

“I could see Blight with a WCE jumper on next year. He would be a good addition to Mini’s team. Sad to see him go but I hope he gets a run over there,” Troy Michie wrote.

“Hoping West Coast pick up blight. Waste of talent.”