Sydney are considering recruiting Richmond premiership forward Jacob Townsend, but the Tigers have committed to retaining Townsend as a rookie if he isn't picked up by another club.

The Swans are considering Townsend as a delisted free agent and have not completely ruled out recruiting Geelong's delisted forward Daniel Menzel, although they have shown more interest, to date, in Townsend, Menzel having only been delisted by the Cats on Wednesday.

Richmond premiership player Jacob Townsend is being looked at by the Swans. Credit:AAP

Richmond will delist Townsend, along with forward/ruck Mabior Chol, but have committed to drafting both players back on to the rookie list if other clubs don't pick them up. They could be signed as either delisted free agents or selected in the draft.

If the Swans go ahead and sign Townsend as a free agent - an outcome that is merely under consideration - they plan to use him as a forward, adding depth and experience to a forward line that, aside from champion Lance Franklin, is largely inexperienced.