'What a Richmond man': Tigers president's subtle dig towards wantaway pair Shai Bolton and Liam Baker

Richmond president John O'Rouke has taken a swipe at wantaway pair Shai Bolton and Liam Baker at the club's best and fairest night.

Bolton and Baker have both officially requested trades west, hoping to land at the Eagles and join new coach Andrew McQualter in 2025.

But before the trade period begins on Monday, the Tigers stars attended the Jack Dyer Medal and finished in equal fifth in the best and fairest vote count, both giving speeches that left Richmond fuming.

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None were more disappointed that O'Rourke, who used his time at the lectern to shoot a subtle dig in the direction of Bolton and Baker.

"No matter what happens in the trade period immediately ahead, we know we've still got a very strong cohort of experience and leadership, with a group that still has so much to offer on-field, but can make an equally strong contribution in setting the standards and guiding our young players through this next phase of growth," O'Rourke said.

The president went on to laud veteran premiership player Nathan Broad, hinting that although he is also from Western Australia, he's stuck fat with Richmond and turned away any trade interest.

"I could mention a dozen players that we have in this category, but just by way of example — and he probably won't like me singling him out — but how fortunate are we to have players of the character of a Nathan Broad?," he began.

"What a Richmond man. And his optimism around the place this year I just thought was brilliant.

"He is a player who was drafted into an era of, well, immediate club success as a mature-age player.

"I know through this year, I'm sure he could have explored options to see out his career in his home state, or perhaps look for more lucrative options with other clubs.

"But he chose to extend for a further two years."

The tension was palpable throughout Crown Melbourne, but it increased when Baker and Bolton came to the stage to accept their equal-fifth place awards.

A clearly uncomfortable Baker shared thanks to the club for its support of him.

"I'm looking forward to what the club does in the future and I can't wait to support it," he said on the night.

"It's going to be great looking from afar, so thank you for everything."

Bolton followed Baker's words in another awkward speech.

"I just want to thank my teammates. Thank my coaches. Thanks to my partner Hasina back at home. She couldn't be here at the moment because we've got another (baby) on the way," he said.

"Yeah. That's it from me. So thank you."

Defender Daniel Rioli, who has requested a trade to the Gold Coast Suns, took home the Jack Dyer Medal with 40 votes, followed by Nick Vlaustin, Toby Nankervis, Broad, Baker and Bolton.

Of the Tigers' top six place getters, three will depart the club in the upcoming trade period.