RICHMOND'S push to sign former Melbourne forward Austin Wonaeamirri to its VFL team has been scuttled by Northern Territory Thunder's demand for a $10,000 transfer fee.
Wonaeamirri, who played 31 games for the Demons between 2008-11, is hoping to revive his AFL career and had decided his best chance of doing so was with the Tigers' new standalone team in 2014.
The Thunder, however, insisted on the $10,000 transfer fee, which Richmond decided it was not in a position to pay.
Wonaeamirri is currently out of contract, but a transfer fee is payable for any player who has been registered with the Thunder in the past 24 months, should they move to a tier one league outside the Northern Territory.
The 25-year-old was told at the weekend his move to the Tigers would not be possible and he is now likely to re-sign with the Thunder and continue working towards a second AFL chance.
He is currently playing with the Tiwi Bombers in the NTFL over the off-season and is likely to join the Thunder for their first training session under new coach Xavier Clarke on Wednesday.
Bombers club development manager Peter Atkinson said Wonaeamirri had been excited about the prospect of reuniting with former Melbourne teammate Aaron Davey at Punt Road.
"He felt an involvement with an AFL club, albeit through a VFL team, was a better way to get another chance at AFL level," Atkinson told AFL.com.au.
"He understands the financial issue for Richmond, so it's disappointing for him that he doesn't have a choice.
"What he's being told up here is that he can still achieve the AFL dream playing with NT Thunder, but recent stats suggests it will be more difficult.
"We just feel that it's probably restricted Austin a little bit more than it should."
Wonaeamirri was recruited by Melbourne with pick No.19 in the 2008 NAB AFL Rookie Draft, earning a Rising Star nomination in his debut season.
A livewire forward who was restricted by injury, he kicked 37 goals in 31 games before he was delisted at the end of the 2011 season, returning to the Northern Territory where he signed with the Thunder.
He currently works as a mentor at Tiwi College.
