BILLY Richardson and Will Graham were two of six Queenslanders to have run out on AFL Grand Final day in last year’s Under 17 Futures match, and are now primed to make a splash as top-agers. The Sunshine State products, of the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns academies respectively, have had different paths to the top but are essentially looking for the same outcome.

In his first year as part of the Lions Academy, Richardson turned out for the Under 16 squad and earned All Australian honours, before representing Queensland at Under 17 level alongside Graham. The latter did so after tearing his meniscus twice, but impressed enough in his late-season games to be touted as one of the Maroons’ top midfield prospects.

Both players recently took part in their state’s preseason testing event under the eye of Rookie Me, and sat down for a quick question and answer session after being put through their paces. Among the topics covered were their strengths and improvement areas on-field, and experiences in either representative program.

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Q&A

WILL GRAHAM

Q: How has preseason been?

A: Preseason this year has been pretty good. All the boys came together pretty well, it’s a bit of a younger team this year but I’d say it’s been going alright so far.

Q: What’s your best position?

A: I’d probably say inside mid. That’s where I find myself most comfortable but I’d say I can go pretty much anywhere around the ground.

Q: What are your strengths?

A: My strengths are winning contested footy and my explosiveness.

Q: Is there anything you’re looking to improve on?

A: Hitting the scoreboard, that’s probably my main thing I want to work on.

Q: Do you have any goals set up for 2023?

A: Just to play some good, consistent footy throughout the year and hopefully play every game.

Q: How has your bottom-age season set you up for your top-age campaign?

A: Last year it was a bit of a sticky situation because I tore my meniscus twice, but I’d say the games I did play I played fairly well and I was pretty happy with them.

Q: What was it like playing in the U17 Futures game?

A: The Futures game was a pretty good experience, there were a few of us Suns boys there so it was pretty good to play with a few of my mates still.

Q: Are there any players you mould your game on?

A: I base my game off Jack Steele from the Saints. He’s quite a crafty inside mid so I’d say he’s probably it.

Q: How has the Suns Academy helped your development?

A: They’ve been very supportive in every way. When I was injured, Josh Whitty was helping me out doing rehab, so they’ve been good in all aspects.

Q: AFL club supported?

A: I go for the Saints… I’ve just always gone for them. My Pop, my Dad, everyone goes for them so I was just kind of brought into it.

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BILLY RICHARDSON

Q: How has preseason been?

A: It’s been going good so far. Just making an emphasis on my endurance running and my aggression… but apart from that I think it’s going really well. I’m putting myself in a good position for the year.

Q: What’s your best position?

A: I think that key forward is definitely my best position.

Q: What are your strengths?

A: My strengths are kicking and marking.

Q: Is there anything you’re looking to improve on?

A: I’m trying to improve my endurance and my aggression, I’ve had a focus on that over the off-season.

Q: Do you have any goals set up for 2023?

A: To play well with the Lions Academy, then make Allies, play a big role in that and make Under 18 All Australian, and get drafted.

Q: How has your bottom-age season set you up for your top-age campaign?

A: I think it’s been good. Last year was my first year in the Academy, so it was a good year. I think I made some really good improvements over the year and developed well. I think the Lions Academy really knuckled me down on my role as a tall.

Q: What was it like earning U16 All Australian honours and playing in the U17 Futures game?

A: Under 16s All Australian team, that was one of my best achievements ever. I’m really happy with that and was so proud of myself. And the Futures game was a great opportunity to see some of the best players in my draft and how they go about it. Seeing them play and playing with them was really beneficial for me as a player.

Q: Are there any players you mould your game on?

A: I like to play like Jeremy Cameron. I like to jump at the footy and crash packs when I can, and be dangerous around goals.

Q: How has the Lions Academy helped your development?

A: It’s been really good so far. Over the off-season, Oscar McInerney has been to training and helping out with the forwards, doing some craft with the talls and just really focussing on what you need to do as a bigman, being aggressive. Other than that, they’re really clear with what they want us to do.

Q: AFL club supported?

A: I’m support Richmond.