WITH season proper and trade period done and dusted, AFL fans and staff alike now turn their attention towards the draft (November 28-30). The chaos has settled on player and pick swaps, and budding prospects have completed their combines, leaving a nervous wait until they learn their fate.

In the next of our club by club previews, we take a look at the Richmond’s draft hand and offer insight into how the Tigers may utilise the picks at their possession. Having gone hard during trade period, they boast one of the thinnest draft hands but will look to extract late value.

2022 FINISH: 7th

CURRENT PICKS: 53, 62, 76, 82

FUTURE PICKS: RIC R2, RIC R3, RIC R4

ACADEMY/FATHER-SON NOMINEES: Nil. 

OPTIONS:

Though its final place will fluctuate as academy and father-son bids roll in up the order, Richmond is set to enter the draft all the way back in round three. The Tigers boast four overall picks but with only 55-60 players expected to be picked up, they will likely only utilise two before upgrading Marlion Pickett to their senior list.

Having just bolstered their midfield in a big way, the Tigers could go down the key position route for some long-term cover. Though in a draft once lauded for its tall talent, there are admittedly few options who may fit the bill.

One prospect who makes sense is Will Elliott, who captained the Oakleigh Chargers but missed much of his top-age season with a knee injury. He, and fellow Charger Hudson O’Keeffe are rucks with developable traits and handy mobility. The former fits a key forward need, too.

Another Victorian ruck in Max Knobel may be in the frame as another project option, while versatile South Australian Phoenix Foster could also pique the Tigers’ interest. Along similar lines, fellow Croweaters Harry Lemmey and Tom Scully remain on the precipice of draft contention and offer potential late value as tall forwards.

Steering away from the key position realm, there are also plenty of running types set to be available. A mature-ager like Joe Richards may suit Richmond’s list profile as a small with good pace, though he has been rumoured to have suitors well up the order.

Hard-nosed midfielder-forward Archie Lovelock and outside utility Jonti Schuback loom as a couple of steals late in the piece, while crafty Tasmanian Seth Campbell could be up the Tigers’ ally. The same goes for inside ball winners like Adam D’Aloia and Hugh Bond, though the latter’s ability to double as a lockdown defender may be more appealing to Richmond’s needs.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– Will Richmond be satisfied with only using two picks in this year’s draft?
– What kind of late value can Richmond extract from its selections?
– Will Richmond opt for long-term or readymade talent?