One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: one-eyed on November 17, 2023, 03:40:30 PM
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THE AFL has written to clubs on Friday to confirm the pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP) rules for this summer.
Clubs have been advised the SSP will commence at 9am AEDT on Monday, November 27 and run across the pre-season before the deadline at 5pm AEDT on Monday, February 19.
To be eligible for the SSP, players must have nominated for the most recent AFL Draft or previously been on an AFL list.
Clubs will have two windows to formally sign a player via the SSP: November 27 to December 14 and January 15 to February 19.
Only two players can audition during the pre-season per list spot available, with a maximum of six players able to trial at the same club at one time.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1064750/afl-locks-in-dates-clarifies-rules-for-pre-season-ssp
Matt Clarke said yesterday we'll be looking at this again and having a couple of train-ons joining us over preseason.
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So basically we'll be upgrading Miller, taking two kids with crappy draft picks , no-one in the rookie draft and will have to wait until late February to see which reject we pick up for the last spot.....can hardly contain my excitement.... :shh
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Not what I would call a top draft hand this year. Which means the coach inherits most of the previous coaches list.
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No rookie draft pick means we have a spare rookie spot open for the pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP).
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Some names that missed out on being drafted:
Koen Sanchez (East Fremantle/Western Australia)
Standing at 177cm, Sanchez is a natural footballer who can play in the midfield and up forward. Has quality skills and a high footy IQ and certainly isn’t unathletic.
Had a couple of minor health setbacks this season but no doubt has the ability to not look out of place on an AFL list.
Was rated by some as a second-round pick.
Matt Carroll (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
The 188cm defender can play on a raft of forwards and can even play on a wing. While he was considered a chance to be taken late, some phantom drafts had him going early in the second round.
A well-rounded player with some nice athletic traits, Carroll could be a solid rookie pick as a bit of a project player for a club.
Tarkyn O’Leary (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
The hard-running wingman impressed many at the draft combine, finishing first in the 2km time trial with a time of 5:48 minutes.
An elite aerobic athlete, O’Leary competed well for both the Dragons and even didn’t look out of place for the Zebras when he got a taste of VFL footy.
Standing at 178cm, O’Leary could potentially present as a small forward option if he makes it to the next level.
Jack Callinan (Tasmania/Allies)
The small forward is as crafty as they come, and no doubt has the footy smarts to succeed at the next level. The son of 32-game Crow Ian, Jack has clean hands and is elite when the ball hits the ground.
Kade De La Rue (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
A smart midfielder/forward with clean hands, De La Rue is one of the youngest players in his draft class as he just turned 18.
A player who presents as an inside 50 kicker, many believe De La Rue has the ceiling to make it at the next level.
Will Patton (West Adelaide/South Australia)
A medium/tall defender, Patton is a strong interceptor standing at 192cm.
A strong leader with the ability to read the play, Patton is consistent and a bankable option in defensive 50.
Was considered a late-pick option and could get an opportunity via the rookie draft.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/11/21/the-unlucky-players-who-missed-out-on-2023-afl-draft-selection/
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Tarkyn O’Leary and Cam Nyko are players Richmond are considering to trial over the summer.
Richmond passed on a rookie draft selection today and would rather trial multiple players to see who will get the final list spot.
Who would you like to see trialed?
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Richmond will also venture a young ruckman.
Richmond were hoping Sandringham Dragons ruckman Vigo Visetini would not get selected in the rookie draft today.
Evan Smith could be one, a tall key forward / ruck from WA, who’s strengths and weaknesses are listed below!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F_hRDHjbgAAEzJm?format=jpg&name=medium)
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F_hRDHjbgAAEzJm?format=jpg&name=medium
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Lmao a couple of soft skinny 6ft flankers of course...should be looking at Van Rooyen's brother.... :shh
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Lmao a couple of soft skinny 6ft flankers of course...should be looking at Van Rooyen's brother.... :shh
Couldn't agree more.
Anyone over 190
We need talls
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Matt Caroll was rookie listed at the Blues :whistle
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Lmao a couple of soft skinny 6ft flankers of course...should be looking at Van Rooyen's brother.... :shh
Couldn't agree more.
Anyone over 190
We need talls
So would Will Patton be an option? Thinking Grimes replacement but I know nothing of him other than the write up avove
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Last time we did the SSP we took Bradke over Motlop………………hopeless
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Lmao a couple of soft skinny 6ft flankers of course...should be looking at Van Rooyen's brother.... :shh
Couldn't agree more.
Anyone over 190
We need talls
So would Will Patton be an option? Thinking Grimes replacement but I know nothing of him other than the write up avove
We also have Broad getting older too. I think we need a medium defender around that 190 mark.
Bauer or Bank could be options but I'd like to see a forward line with 2 195+ forwards (Lynch, Kosi, Fawcett) and at least 1 190+ (Bauer).
Backline I think we are largely sorted for talls between Balta, Young and Gibcus.
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Last time we did the SSP we took Bradke over Motlop………………hopeless
Narkle
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We should be looking at Mutaz El Nour, Archie May, Lefau from the VFL. Van Rooyen also worth a look
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We should be looking at Mutaz El Nour, Archie May, Lefau from the VFL. Van Rooyen also worth a look
WP triggered... :shh
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Apart from Van Rooyen's brother, still like Sellars from Norf's VFL...surprised he wasn't at least rookied by Norf as their development coach rates him highly.... :shh
Brindley from our VFL's a handy no-nonsense stop gap player who can plug holes right down the spine... :shh
Lefau would provide both mid & forward depth and is arguably the most effective tackler at the club..... :shh
Also like Yassine but he's a small and could probably do with another year of development... :shh
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Last time we did the SSP we took Bradke over Motlop………………hopeless
Our history in the ssp or pre season supplemental draft period since we won our first flag in 2017.
2019 - Weller mature, Stack sml mid/fwd.
2022 - Bradtke kpf
2024????
In all areas where we can rookie players ie rookie draft, ssp, msd, cat b rookies i would argue strongly since the 2017 flag we have found just 2 players who have been both good and given good decent service. They are Baker and Pickett.
There is some hope that we will get something good out of the 2022 and 2023 lot but its still a bit early with only Young having established himself but he is hardly top shelf. including young thats just three players.
Since the inception of free agency in 2012 which is unrestricted, restricted and delisted free agents we have only used it 5 times. Only lynch since 2017. thats one player from that source.
The National draft. Since 2017 on our list only Balta pick 25, Ross 43 who is average and possibly Gibcus pick 9 based on 1 year have truly established themselves. thats just 3 players from the largest source.
When it comes to trades since 2017 we have only traded for Tarrant very short term plus Taranto and Hopper. Of course we have traded for picks. thats just two players.
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Last time we did the SSP we took Bradke over Motlop………………hopeless
Narkle
Yes and if I remember correctly, every poster was all for this due to our lack of KPF. Drafting a tall for the sake of taking a tall will leave you for the most cases with a lot of failed experiments. At least with the SSP, you are giving up the bare minimum in a list spot and a rookie contract.
Also, did we miss something with Narkle? Barely played 3 games for port and not in their 22.
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We should be looking at Mutaz El Nour, Archie May, Lefau from the VFL. Van Rooyen also worth a look
WP triggered... :shh
:lol :lol
But I'll just say this
If we are going to consider El Nour then we should bring back Bradtke :shh
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I have no problem with the Bradtke experiment its a bloody rookie pick basically.
I only saw his highlights but he looked good in them.
People do realise with these types of picks the odds are you will get a good percentage wrong but they cost nothing, hopefully you find the odd good one.
Its more about playing numbers than actually seeking a high quality pick. as a lot say they dont all play well at 18 sometimes gooduns take a bit longer. As long as they have enough good attributes and your sure they will have or get the physical attributes for the level then its here you take plenty of punts.
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Apparently Lefau was training with the AFL squad today....looks like he might be vying for the SSP spot... :shh
A glimpse of Lefau was posted on twitter/X.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F_6t4QhbQAAqSBI?format=jpg&name=large) (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F_6t4QgaIAADXJh?format=jpg&name=large)
https://twitter.com/merrrnique/status/1729010494609178793
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Apparently Lefau was training with the AFL squad today....looks like he might be vying for the SSP spot... :shh
A glimpse of Lefau was posted on twitter/X.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F_6t4QhbQAAqSBI?format=jpg&name=large) (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F_6t4QgaIAADXJh?format=jpg&name=large)
https://twitter.com/merrrnique/status/1729010494609178793
He’s a big unit, hope he can train well and get the spot.
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How big? 195/96?
What's his best position?
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How big? 195/96?
What's his best position?
Good guess - that's what he's listed as.... :shh
Is a mid-forward....low possession but damaging with a high ratio of clearances, good marking target , quick & powerful, reasonable shot for goal , tackling machine with a Rugby background, late to the game so lacks a bit of footy nous though slowly improving in that area and has iffy disposal & decision making at times but not another Folau despite what some might say, will be 26 this year so no kid, boom or bust type worth the risk with the pick , covers two positional needs and helps with our tackling issues..... :shh
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He was listed that size in about 2022 so just wondering if he's changed at all.
If he can play forward that would be nice. Only need a handful of touches to be effective.
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https://www.afl.com.au/news/1068523/richmond-tigers-give-vfl-utility-mykelti-lefau-east-perth-forward-mitch-schofield-chance-to-earn-rookie-spot
:shh
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I love this part of the AFL now days. No absolute rags to riches stories yet but love seeing chances given to guys that otherwise would get lost in system. Both boys read like they have potential.
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Tigers give VFL utility, East Perth forward chance to earn rookie spot
By Josh Gabelich
4 hrs ago
The Tigers are giving two players the chance to earn a spot on their rookie list
RICHMOND has invited East Perth forward Mitch Schofield and New Zealander Mykelti Lefau to train with the club during the pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP).
The pair started training with Adem Yze's squad on Monday morning – beginning life at Punt Road with the 2km time trial – and are expected to be given until at least Christmas to earn a shot on the rookie list.
Schofield produced a breakout season in the WAFL this year, kicking 30 goals to become a permanent fixture for the Royals.
The 22-year-old focused on baseball during his childhood and was set to move to the United States to play in the NCAA before the coronavirus pandemic shut down the world in 2020.
The 194cm mobile forward played local football instead that season before being spotted by East Perth, where he has gradually earned more senior opportunities across the past 18 months, attracting interest from a few clubs across the back end of 2023.
Lefau moved from Auckland to Melbourne in 2012 and spent time in Melbourne Storm's development program before deciding to focus on football rather than rugby league.
The 23-year-old played some games for the Casey Demons before the pandemic, then returned to local football level where he played for St Kilda City in the Southern Football Club.
Lefau joined Richmond's VFL program ahead of the 2022 season and played six games before suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear that ended his first season with the Tigers.
But after a long recovery, the 195cm, 96kg utility returned in June and played 11 VFL games to put his career back on track.
Richmond has rewarded a growing number of players out of the club's VFL program in recent times, with James Trezise, Tylar Young and Jake Aarts all graduating to the AFL list at the Swinburne Centre, while Massimo D'Ambrosio and Sam Durham have also landed AFL chances elsewhere after playing VFL football for the Tigers.
The SSP opened on Monday and will run until February 19 with Schofield and Lefau likely to return after the Christmas break if they impress between now and the end of training in December.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1068523/richmond-tigers-give-vfl-utility-mykelti-lefau-east-perth-forward-mitch-schofield-chance-to-earn-rookie-spot
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Mitch Schofield 22 Year Old from WA
194CM / 84KG
11.7 Disposals Per Game
5.9 Marks Per Game
1.6 Goals Per Game
Unbelievable marker of the football, would be another key forward option.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAAY2GabcAA3xxx?format=jpg&name=small)
https://twitter.com/jamesdevennn/status/1729409579468071345
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Mykelti an impressive specimen: speed & power (2.79 20m at school: would've been #1 at '23 Combine).
Kicked 25.5 for St Kilda City U19s vs Carrum in 2016!
3yrs at Casey & last 2 @RichmondVFL mainly fwd. Midfield bursts late & changed complexion of gm with ability to bust out.
https://twitter.com/JasonBennettTV/status/1729431241077010559
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Could really do with both - can we Capuano someone? :shh
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Could really do with both - can we Capuano someone? :shh
Ralphsmith, Miller and Mansell can all go
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The 12 players currently training at clubs in a bid for a pre-season rookie spot 👇
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAOTXLbbAAAc5Ha?format=jpg&name=small)
https://twitter.com/CalTwomey/status/1730388713073725825
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This is behind a paywall. Anyone got access to post the full article?
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Freakish Kiwi colossus in big push for Richmond’s AFL list
Mykelti Lefau once kicked 25 goals in a game and was part of a Melbourne Storm development squad. Now he’s trying out for Richmond’s AFL list, writes PAUL AMY.
Paywall: https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/richmond/former-melbourne-storm-development-player-mykelti-lefau-pushing-for-a-spot-on-richmonds-afl-list/news-story/64c9c04a4e2fcba0564af95da0424fda
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(https://i.imgur.com/ZFiivAn.jpg)
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Snip.
Enough with the baiting
It's gone on far too long in multiple threads
Next one will be an automatic strike whether that be a 1st, 2nd or 3rd strike which means a permanent ban
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WAFL forward Mitch Schofield has been seen as a frontrunner at Richmond for its sole list spot, with VFL Tiger Mykelti Lefau also competing for a shot with the AFL team.
https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/afl-2024-all-the-ssp-latest-as-collingwood-hopeful-josh-eyre-cops-hamstring-blow/news-story/f629763876529ac969ec720945ba29af
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Decision on Monday - practice match on Sunday to serve as the tiebreaker you'd imagine... personally hope Grimes does the right thing and pulls the pin so they both get a gig...:shh
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You would reckon Lefau has got the nod. Didn't do his chances any harm when he came on. Got the turnover goal and bonus points for putting Lever on his backside :lol which lead to Bolton's 4th goal.
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Surel the Kiwi gets the nod. Did some nice things when he came on in the last. Looks very strong.
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maybe neither get the nod,
Schofield took 2 nice down the line marks
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Lefau getting a run in the main game might be a fair clue.... :shh
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Interesting situation as Lefau is an athletic beast who hits hard. His hit on Lever was pure and rattled Lever who didn't want to remonstrate at all. Mitch looks like a country champion, an old fashioned player. That said, he knows how to play forward.
Lefau for me out of the two.
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Could end up being our Polynesian Georgie….
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AFL Central on Insta have reported that Lefau has been signed.
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Not unhappy about this - hardness reminds me of Townsend .
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Best get a Hangi going
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Correct decision.... :clapping
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..Lefau becomes an AFL-listed Tiger
By Richmond Media
1 hr ago
Richmond has signed New Zealand-born VFL Tiger Mykelti Lefau to its AFL list as a Supplementary Selection Period addition.
Richmond has elevated powerful VFL utility Mykelti Lefau to its AFL list as part of the AFL's Pre-Season Supplementary Selection Period.
The 195cm, strongly built, New Zealand-born Lefau has been training with the Club since November after impressing as part of the VFL program across the past two seasons.
Lefau, who has the athleticism to play all over the ground, has been mostly used as a power forward this pre-season, proving a difficult match-up for opponents with his speed, agility, and brute strength.
The 26-year-old joined Richmond VFL in 2022 but ruptured his ACL in Round 7 of that season.
Lefau returned to football midway through last year and has gone from strength to strength at the Swinburne Centre, topping an already remarkable football journey.
The former Melbourne Storm development squad NRL player only moved to Melbourne in 2012, learning the game at school before announcing himself as a serious Australian Rules talent with a 25-goal display in the U/19s for St Kilda City in 2016.
Lefau signed for Casey's VFL team in 2017 and featured in their Grand Final side the following season. He also represented New Zealand against the AIS on two occasions both at Marvel Stadium and in Wellington.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw Lefau halt his state league career, returning to St Kilda City before the Tigers' VFL Program came calling towards the end of 2021.
Richmond National Recruiting Manager, Matt Clarke said Lefau had earned the next step on his football journey.
"Mykelti has worked hard to put himself in this position, from learning the game as a teenager to coming back from a serious injury last year," he said.
"He has not put a foot wrong since he came to our Club and has shown across the past three months that he can blossom in a professional environment.
"We are excited to be adding him to our AFL list."
Lefau joins last season's mid-season draftee James Trezise and 2023 Bill Cosgrove/Harry Jenkins Medallist (Best-First Year Player) Tylar Young as former VFL Tigers to be elevated to the AFL list in recent years.
Essendon’s Sam Durham, Hawthorn’s Massimo D’Ambrosio and former Bomber Garret McDonagh have also been drafted out of the program since 2021, while Jake Aarts played 42 AFL games for Richmond.
“This is a testament to Steve Morris, Ollie Grant and the guys that have been strongly involved in our VFL program. Trezise, Young and now Lefau in particular, were given opportunities in that program after previously playing local footy, so we are thrilled with the pathways being created,” Clarke added.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1491782/lefau-afl-listed
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You can't help get caught up with these sort of stories and not many work out but I'm excited by this.
He looks to be a really exciting role player for the fwd line to be a bull at applying pressure and making it scary to be down there especially for say some princesses like Ridley, McGovern, Moore who like to play qtr back roles. With the big dog roaming they'll want to make sure they are absolutely aware of where he is.
Nearly killed Jake Lever yesterday.
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Last time we recruited someone with kiwi blood seemed to work out well for everyone.
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Anyone able to share footage of the hit?
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Grab Schofield in the MSD - should have a spot free after Prestia/Grimes/Lynch inevitably go down/retire or they throw the book at Pickett... :shh
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Anyone able to share footage of the hit?
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nrl-convert-impresses-for-tigers-in-match-simulation/video/f77014927c1ed9c0f81a05bd00bfe966
Second half of the video at the top is the bump
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There seems to be quite a few senior players now coming through Steve Morris and his VFL program
I’ve always felt that’s the measure of a good VFL program , a successful team is a bonus or icing on the cake
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Lefau phones home with exciting news
Watch Mykelti Lefau phone his parents to deliver the news that he has been elevated to Richmond's AFL List.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/1491868/lefau-phones-home-with-exciting-news
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'Prove people right' - Mykelti Lefau
Richmond Media caught up with Mykelti Lefau after it was announced that he had signed on with Richmond during the SSP period.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/1491997/prove-people-right-mykelti-lefau
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Lefau & Clarke Press Conference
Mykelti Lefau and National Recruiting Manager Matthew Clarke talk with media following today's announcement.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/1492010/lefau-clarke-press-conference
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Anyone able to share footage of the hit?
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nrl-convert-impresses-for-tigers-in-match-simulation/video/f77014927c1ed9c0f81a05bd00bfe966
Second half of the video at the top is the bump
(http://oneeyed-richmond.com/images/animatedvidsgifs/LefauBumpOnLever.gif)
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SSP pick staking his claim to fame by cleaning up a highly rated Toffs player with a perfect bump...think I've seen this movie before...just hope they've reshot the ending.... :shh
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Grab Schofield in the MSD - should have a spot free after Prestia/Grimes/Lynch inevitably go down/retire or they throw the book at Pickett... :shh
Wonder if Schofield would be interested in staying on and playing VFL?
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Grab Schofield in the MSD - should have a spot free after Prestia/Grimes/Lynch inevitably go down/retire or they throw the book at Pickett... :shh
Wonder if Schofield would be interested in staying on and playing VFL?
Clarke said that he's gone back to WA. :shh
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Thanks for sharing.
Hit didn't look too bad but at least he did it. Love a big bloke who throws the weight around.
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Thanks for sharing.
Hit didn't look too bad but at least he did it. Love a big bloke who throws the weight around.
Perfect bump in this protect the head environment. Does enough of them he will put indecision in the opposition whenever he is bearing down on them
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New Tiger Mykelti Lafau on The Run Home with Andy & Gazey:
LISTEN HERE: https://megaphone.link/NTETP9142189529
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THE LOCAL FOOTY 25-GOAL HAUL THAT PUT RICHMOND’S KIWI RECRUIT ON THE MAP
By Lachlan Geleit
SEN
20 February 2024
Richmond SSP recruit Mykelti Lefau has had a unique journey to the AFL.
Hailing from Auckland, the 26-year-old only moved to Melbourne in 2012 and first learned the game of Aussie rules in high school.
His rugby background earned him a spot in the Melbourne Storm NRL development squad as a youngster, but Lefau says he only chose to pursue footy after his junior years to play with his friends.
“When I moved here, I was playing rugby union at the time in New Zealand,” Lefau told SEN The Run Home.
“All my brothers and my Dad played rugby league, so I just followed through with that (in Melbourne).
“It wasn't until you go to school and there's not many rugby balls that are getting thrown around, it's all footy. So that obviously catches your eye.
“I became mates with all the footy boys, and they sort of just invited me down to the local club and it pretty much started from there.
“I juggled both sports for a while and then it got to a point where I had to choose one and then I just stuck with footy.”
While he was a latecomer to footy, Lefau quickly started to dominate at the local level and even famously kicked 25 goals in a single game for St Kilda City in the Southern Football League’s Under 19 competition back in 2016.
Lefau was eventually recruited to VFL club Casey in 2017 and he explained how he kicked such a ridiculous haul which could have garnered him some attention from recruiters.
“I'm not even sure, how exactly I got the attention from (VFL clubs) playing with St Kilda City,” Lefau said.
“I was playing Under 19s (when I kicked the 25-goal haul). There is a bit of context to that though.
“It was the last game of the season, and I was a fair bit behind on the goalkicking because I missed a few games because I was doing the Melbourne Storm development stuff.
“I missed a few games, and I didn't start until Round 3, so all the boys were getting around me, the coach was getting around me saying we're going to feed you here.
“It just all worked out. I reckon the guy (who was leading) would have got a rude shock when he saw that.
“That’s the best game I’ve had.”
Standing at 194cm, Lefau presents as a tall forward at the top level and the recruit thinks he brings the agility and competitiveness to play both big and small inside 50.
“Just competitiveness and giving my all and every contest is what I sort of pride myself on,” Lefau said.
“I want to bring that sort of speed that not many big guys have.
“I’m very agile and I feel like I offer more as a big and a small, I can sort of do both and I pride myself on being an agile big guy really that just competes.”
Lefau’s journey since reaching the VFL ranks hasn’t been all smooth sailing as he suffered an ACL injury in his first season for Richmond in 2022.
After reaching the big leagues after some adversity, Lefau’s next focus is on getting better every day as he aims for an AFL debut.
“It means a lot,” Lefau said.
“Obviously, I'm just proud of myself after sticking with it after my injury.
“I could have taken the easy route and just given it up, but I had too much support around me and too much belief around me to just give up.
“Straight away after I did my injury, I just had a smile on my face, I took it for what it was and just grew from it.
“I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing and will try to get better every day.
“My next focus is just trying to crack a debut and being consistent.”
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2024/02/19/the-local-footy-25-goal-haul-that-put-richmonds-kiwi-recruit-on-the-map/
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He’s 195cm!!!!
Pretty much KP height and I always thought he was a small forward lol
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Will be the player we all wanted RCD to be....#Lefyfe :shh
Or K-Mart Tom Green to tide us over until we get the real one.... :shh :shh
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What's the chance that he can develop a tank and become a beast mid aka Cripps
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What's the chance that he can develop a tank and become a beast mid aka Cripps
LMAO
Aka Cripps? Absolutely zero
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All the best to Lefau in his AFL debut tomorrow :clapping.
Here's the moment @stevemorris38 announces that Mykelti Lefau will make his AFL debut.
https://twitter.com/Richmond_FC/status/1771039886528905570
After calling his parents 32 days ago to tell them he'd secured a spot on our list, Mykelti's got more good news to deliver.
https://twitter.com/Richmond_FC/status/1771070808275693602
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Reckon we have an absolute steal in McAuliffe maybe we already have our Tom Green.
On Lefau i have been wanting Bauer to be played as a third tall fwd but maybe we now have that role covered in the short term with Mykelti
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Wasn't expecting a bag or leather poisoning but was looking forward to him hurting a few Filth Adelaide players at least.....disappointing lack of big hits and even some defensive efforts that were as weak as anyone's....did think Yze could've at least chucked him in to a few cb's when Port started strolling it out in the last to see if he could lay a few of his trademark bone crunchers......will just assume he perhaps got caught a bit on the hop with the last minute change but at this level you should really be prepared for these things.... :shh
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Didn't see the game but Twitter is bagging the hell out of him. Was he that bad?
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Didn't see the game but Twitter is bagging the hell out of him. Was he that bad?
Needs another game, looked timid and scared of giving free kicks away.
Needs another 2 games before making any decisions
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Didn't see the game but Twitter is bagging the hell out of him. Was he that bad?
he was bad though i didnt see him being any worse than about 5 other players.
32 tackles tells the only story that needs to be told. Yze has done nothing to address this.
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Looked over awed and a class below to me
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Looked utterly spent by the last quarter, needs to build up his fitness like so many first year players.
Have to feel for him though - he turned up expecting to play as sub but found himself lining up from the opening bounce, so rather than watching the first half & getting a run for a quarter or so he got thrown off the deep end.
Didn't see much of it but still found ways to contribute ... laid one tackle that rattled bones ... so some promise there ...
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Looked over awed and a class below to me
Agree.
Back to the twos for me.
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Looked over awed and a class below to me
Agree.
Back to the twos for me.
Looked over awed agree.He also looked off the pace but id like to see another week of him regardless of his performance.
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Looked over awed and a class below to me
Agree.
Back to the twos for me.
Same
Though to be fair not sure what people were expecting?
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Play him again i say. Will definitely need a few games to adjust to the pace buy we need the third tall forward so play him.
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I'm happy for him to get more games.
Especially over the likes of Dow, KMac etc.
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Not a great debut but clearly not as bad as Samson Ryan's debut, which is still the worst debut of a Richmond player I've ever seen.
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I think I had unrealistic expectations today . Looked way off .
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Shouldn't be no where near the senior side match committee is :banghead.
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Shouldn't be no where near the senior side match committee is :banghead.
Fancy picking him and not McAullife, and yes I understand they are different positions
But ffs
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Not a great debut but clearly not as bad as Samson Ryan's debut, which is still the worst debut of a Richmond player I've ever seen.
Agreed. Goes to show how far off Ryan is still to not be playing. Hopefully Bauer can find some form and start playing
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'Anything is possible': New Tiger's enjoying his incredible journey
Mykelti Lefau's round two debut was just another step in an unexpected path to the AFL
By Josh Gabelich
afl.com.au
25 March 2024
MYKELTI Lefau had never heard of AFL when he moved from Auckland to Melbourne in 2012.
Rugby League was his winter code of choice when he swapped sides of the Tasman Sea at 13. The NRL was the plan, but that plan changed a long time ago.
Not long after the New Zealander moved to Australia to live with his dad, Lefau joined Melbourne Storm’s development program at AAMI Park. He played in the under 16s and 18s, but by then it was the Sherrin not the Steeden that had become his focus.
Lefau started playing at St Kilda City and once kicked 25 goals in an under-19s match. That planted a seed. Rather than move to New South Wales or Queensland to chase a rugby league dream at reserve grade, he landed a gig with the Casey Demons in the VFL. That was in 2016.
Nothing and everything has happened fast. It took Lefau years to master the fundamentals of the game while playing local footy. It took him years to cement a spot in the VFL.
But after being invited to trial during the pre-season supplemental selection period this summer, Lefau made his debut for Richmond against Port Adelaide on Sunday, just 34 days after securing a rookie deal.
"Honestly, I didn’t think it would happen this fast," Lefau told AFL.com.au after a whirlwind debut.
"I was still getting over getting a contract, getting a spot on the team. I did not think that I would be playing by round two. Definitely not."
The first piece of advice someone gave Lefau when he started playing junior football was to watch AFL games. Pick a player and try to emulate them on Sunday mornings was the message. He didn't watch any football back then, but his dad, like most dads, was drawn to Lance Franklin. That meant Lefau did his best Buddy impressions in the Southern Football League.
Standing 195cm and weighing 96kg, Lefau turned heads when he joined Casey with a rare blend of explosive athleticism and intimidating brutality. It was there, in Cranbourne, when he started dreaming about bigger things.
"That year when I went to Casey was when it [getting drafted] became a goal," Lefau said.
"I was so raw and a lot of people were excited by what I brought to the team. I had to knuckle down and learn. I was there for two or three years. There was a lot of hype when I went there, then it sort of fizzled out. You lose that passion a little bit. I didn't think I was going to play VFL footy again after the COVID year but then Richmond came up."
Box Hill has proven to be a very lucrative program for Hawthorn since the alignment began in 2001, but the VFL program inside the Swinburne Centre has been reaping rewards of late. Tylar Young and James Trezise have both become full-time Tigers after being part of the part-time program in the VFL. Jake Aarts played 42 senior games for Richmond, while Massimo D’Ambrosio and Sam Durham have become regular AFL players.
Lefau played the first six games of Richmond's 2022 VFL campaign before rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against Port Melbourne. A spot on an AFL list looked a long way away then, but Lefau didn't drop his bundle. Instead, he drew inspiration from former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman, who recovered from an ACL tear in 2017 to win his third Super Bowl the following February.
"No, I definitely did not think it was over. I am a pretty positive guy. I know a lot of stories about people that have come back from ACLs even stronger," he said.
"Julian Edelman came back and turned into a complete freakin' animal. He had hell injuries man, but he came back super strong. Edelman is a beast. That is why I never thought it was over."
It was fitting that VFL coach Steve Morris announced that Lefau would make his debut inside Richmond's theatrette last Friday. New senior coach Adem Yze grabbed him minutes before the first bounce on Sunday and told him he was no longer starting as the sub. Maurice Rioli had hurt his back in the warm-up and was out. Lefau was in the 22.
By that point in the afternoon, the Tigers' rooms were still vibrating following a rousing rendition of the Haka by Lefau's family and friends inside the bowels of the MCG.
"It was filled with so much spirit. It got me amped up, maybe too early, but it was awesome," he said.”
Opportunities were few and far between against Port Adelaide, but the hulking forward didn't waste the chance to nail new Power key defender Esava Ratugolea when the moment presented. Lefau is focused on making the most of an opportunity that many Aussie kids dream about it, but never get to live.
"Anything is possible," he said. "I just want to play consistent footy, get better every day. As long as I just knuckle down, be smart with myself and my decisions, I can go anywhere."
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1094798/anything-is-possible-new-tigers-enjoying-his-incredible-journey
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Shouldn't be no where near the senior side match committee is :banghead.
Fancy picking him and not McAullife, and yes I understand they are different positions
But ffs
The real question should have been. Why not both this week.
What i don't get is we have a big bloke just dominating in Naismith yet we cannot find a way to play him with Nankervis. Worse is supporters are stuck in the past with playing two ruckmen especially when we had so many talls out of action.
As it is just give Mykelti another game. If he stays so far off the pace then fine he is clearly not ready for the level and he goes back to the two's.
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Looked utterly spent by the last quarter, needs to build up his fitness like so many first year players.
He's 26 and been on our VFL list for the last two years and been in professional enviroments since he was 15 at the Melbourne Storm...fitness really shouldn't be an issue at this point.... :shh
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He doesn't have natural footy instincts and at 26 when will you get them.We were better off bringing in May or Mour from the vfl program.
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I’ve not seen a senior debit where a guy has looked so far out of his depth since Samson Ryan a few years back and A Fiora before that.
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Looked utterly spent by the last quarter, needs to build up his fitness like so many first year players.
He's 26 and been on our VFL list for the last two years and been in professional enviroments since he was 15 at the Melbourne Storm...fitness really shouldn't be an issue at this point.... :shh
Headless chook running probably didn’t help his cause….
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Probably so worried about running patterns and following instructions he forgot to play football, needs more time in the VFL to make these things instinctive.
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Lefau thriving without the pre-game chaos
Last week, Richmond's SSP signing Mykelti Lefau earned his AFL debut, not without some chaos. Initially named as the sub, he was added to the starting side very, very late. This week, without the confusion before the opening siren, he was able to settle into the game and show why the Tigers picked him up. Offering blistering defensive speed without the ball, he bobbed up in attack to kick two goals, one a curling set shot from deep in attack, the other a long, straight kick from 50.
https://www.afl.com.au/video/1099044/lefau-gets-richmond-roaring-with-first-afl-goal
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Kudos to the young man
Was a lot better today.
Still looks out of his depth a lot of the time but has a real dip
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Kudos to the young man
Was a lot better today.
Still looks out of his depth a lot of the time but has a real dip
Agreed. The off shoot is i think he adds a fair bit to our structure and forces talls away from Noah and Big Tom giving them a better chance to win in the air.
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Kudos to the young man
Was a lot better today.
Still looks out of his depth a lot of the time but has a real dip
Agreed. The off shoot is i think he adds a fair bit to our structure and forces talls away from Noah and Big Tom giving them a better chance to win in the air.
Absolutely although Lynch was still 2 out all day.
Balta also not very threatening today.
Going to be a debacle if we are playing Kosi, Lefau and Balta but they'll just have to pull a finger out and find a way to kick goals
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On a steep learning curve but already better than Kosi... :shh
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Kicked 2 and gave forward defensive pressure. Can not ask any more than that for a 2nd game KP player. Awesome.
Has a long way to go but kicking goals is what we want our forwards to do and nailed a check side that he made harder than it should have and nailed a long kick on 45 degree. Tick tick.
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Kicked 2 - what more could you expect
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Kicked 2 - what more could you expect
3
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The RFC website named Lefau as our best player against the Eagles.
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Lefau, in just his fourth AFL game after being recruited by Richmond as an AFL pre-season supplementary selection, took eight marks, including a team-high six grabs inside the Tigers’ forward-50 area, kicked three goals, had six score involvements, five tackles and 325 metres gained.
Richo is excited about Lefau’s prospects in Richmond’s forward line.
“He springs up out of the ground . . . If you put the ball out in front of him and he gets a run at it, good luck defending him because his vertical leap’s so high,” Richardson said on the Club’s Talking Tigers podcast.
“He finished with three goals and could have kicked five.
“I reckon the strides he’s made since his first game are enormous.
“He just showed what he can do with his hands, and his marking ability, which probably we hadn’t seen. We’d seen some other stuff, but not that. And he timed his leads well.
“The silver lining with all the Club’s injuries is you’re going to play every week.”
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1535422/richo-lauds-lefau
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Light years ahead of Kosi
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He goes pretty well for a bum sniffer
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‘I just wanted to represent my country well’ - Lefau
VIDEO: https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/1537958/i-just-wanted-to-represent-my-country-well-lefau
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Lefau has arrived
Mykelti Lefau, signed in the pre-season supplemental selection period earlier in the year, has been a revelation for Richmond. The 26-year-old, New Zealand-born product has officially found his feet at AFL level. Coming off an impressive three-goal return in the Tigers' loss to West Coast a fortnight ago, he flourished in attack against the Demons. Leaping at everything, setting up teammates in the arc, and even taking on Max Gawn in the ruck, Lefau's presence has added a spark to the Tigers' attack.
Source: HeraldSun (https://www.afl.com.au/news/1114745/melbourne-demons-pull-away-late-to-sink-undermanned-richmond-tigers)
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Arrived with C+ game apparently..... :shh
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Richmans Aaron Edwards
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Gez some people so unrealistic here his basically holding our forward line together as the obmnly tall mind you new to the game.His doing his job , will be better when Balta returns and a Ryan next to him.
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FIVE-GAME FORWARD THAT’S WON OVER ONE OF AFL’S GREATEST GOALKICKERS
He’s only played five AFL games after signing a Richmond contract just over two months ago.
But Mykelti Lefau already has the next Australian Football Hall of Fame legend firmly on his bandwagon.
Lefau, 25, was signed by the Tigers as a rookie late in the pre-season supplemental selection period after impressing as part of the VFL program across the past two seasons.
He’s already kicked seven goals from five games – including 3.2 from 12 disposals and eight marks against West Coast in Round 5 – but it’s his physical presences that caught the eye of four-time premiership Hawk and legendary full-forward Jason Dunstall on Wednesday night.
While many of his teammates were sloppy with ball in-hand, Lefau impressed with his competitiveness and footy nous, booting one goal from nine disposals against Melbourne while also competing well in the ruck.
“I know they didn’t help their forwards, but can I just say from a Tigers perspective – I like the look of Lefau,” Dunstall told Fox Footy post-game.
“This is a guy that’s a competitor, he has a thirst for the contest, and he did a couple of clever things (against Melbourne). He doesn’t mind tackling or doing the hard stuff either.
“I think he’s a really good prospect going forward.”
Fellow Fox Footy pundit David King pointed out there were several occasions where Lefau was on a straight-line lead to the kicker but was ignored by his teammates – much to Dunstall’s frustration.
“He presents brilliantly and he’s giving them what they need,” Dunstall said. “I guess they’re used to ‘I see Dusty, I’ll kick it to Dusty, even if he’s not in the best position’. But I think this young man can make a real go of it.”
Lefau on Wednesday night was a rare bright spot on a tough night for the Tigers, whose season already appears all but over before May, but are contending with a lengthy injury list as well.
The Tigers have been battling to field a competitive side in recent weeks with Jayden Short (calf), Tom Lynch (hamstring), Tim Taranto (wrist), Dion Prestia (hamstring), Noah Balta (knee), Jack Ross (foot) and Josh Gibcus (knee) all unavailable and now Jacob Hopper (hamstring) set for a stint on the sidelines.
But the opportunity those big-name absentees are giving some of Richmond’s Tiger cubs has made coach Adem Yze optimistic.
“I’m envisaging six weeks’ time when we get a lot of our players back. The selection is going to be really hard based on what our young players are showing,” Yze said on Wednesday.
“They’re getting opportunity through adversity and to watch Thomson Dow today (against Melbourne) play against a quality midfield felt like he took a step forward in his career.
“Seth Campbell is getting opportunities, Maurice Rioli Jnr — he looks powerful, he looks dangerous around goals.
“So, the more that we can give those guys opportunity, which we have to right now, the future’s going to be bright for them when we get everyone back available.
“There is a silver lining the fact they’re getting an opportunity. Tom Brown is taking his game step by step.”
During a dynasty period where Richmond benefited largely from the play of its small-forward brigade, Lefau brings a bulldozing, mid-sized element to a group that hasn’t sniffed one since Josh Caddy roamed Tigerland.
Arriving at Punt Road with a rugby league background, Lefau thirsts for contact. His ability to crash packs and bring balls to ground are traits that have been held in high regard by Tigers coaching staffs of years past.
Even when Tom Lynch eventually returns, you feel that Richmond’s Kiwi-born footy convert still has a place in Yze’s best side.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-news-2024-round-7-talking-points-analysis-reaction-results-wrap-highlights-top-four-flag-contenders-st-kilda-trade-targets-brisbane-lions-problems/news-story/856c72903e671b1cb683475278cbcc65
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Probably wont happen this year given our record with injuries but later iin the year Lynch Balta if they play him forward and Lefau
Look pretty likely.
Just need to find a few quality small forwards who kick goals.
Shame in a way all the injuries if we had, a few talls up and running forward, then we could have tried Lefau as a big mid given all the injuries we have copped there.
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Probably wont happen this year given our record with injuries but later iin the year Lynch Balta if they play him forward and Lefau
Look pretty likely.
Just need to find a few quality small forwards who kick goals.
Shame in a way all the injuries if we had, a few talls up and running forward, then we could have tried Lefau as a big mid given all the injuries we have copped there.
Coultard looks likely if they ever play him
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Can we change the typo in this thread? Lefau as opposed to Lafau
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Can we change the typo in this thread? Lefau as opposed to Lafau
Done
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Probably wont happen this year given our record with injuries but later iin the year Lynch Balta if they play him forward and Lefau
Look pretty likely.
Just need to find a few quality small forwards who kick goals.
Shame in a way all the injuries if we had, a few talls up and running forward, then we could have tried Lefau as a big mid given all the injuries we have copped there.
If (big if)the on ball brigade is fully fit, then maybe Shai Bolton or Liam Baker can spend more time forward and be that small forward.
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Can we change the typo in this thread? Lefau as opposed to Lafau
Lafamao
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Probably wont happen this year given our record with injuries but later iin the year Lynch Balta if they play him forward and Lefau
Look pretty likely.
Just need to find a few quality small forwards who kick goals.
Shame in a way all the injuries if we had, a few talls up and running forward, then we could have tried Lefau as a big mid given all the injuries we have copped there.
If (big if)the on ball brigade is fully fit, then maybe Shai Bolton or Liam Baker can spend more time forward and be that small forward.
Shai i can understand he is an A grade fwd but is so badly needed in the midfield even if all mids were fit.
Big no to Baker playing forward. Just is not a forward at this level. Only taking games away from the likes of Clarke, Coulthard, M Rioli Cumberland.
Its exactly what we have done for years and continue to do, we wonder why no small fwds are developing.
By the way can we keep the typo i like it makes me feel at home.
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Probably gunna win the club goal kicking in his first year by default with less than 30 goals.... :shh
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Probably gunna win the club goal kicking in his first year by default with less than 30 goals.... :shh
Mabe right. Thing is each game he keeps getting better. Should ot be asked every week to carry the forward half as a tall. FFS lets get some help in there for him.
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Yep. He’s doing pretty well against the odds.
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1. TIGERS SORELY LACKING OFFENCE... BUT THEY MIGHT HAVE THEIR NEXT ‘CHAMPION’
With dual-premiership spearhead Tom Lynch and versatile Tiger Noah Balta injured, scoring was always going to be a challenge for the Tigers against a defensive-minded side.
Shai Bolton is the Tigers’ leading goalkicker for the season, but he failed to touch the footy in the first term in a setback to Richmond’s hopes against a rival not renowned for quick starts.
Richmond’s score to half-time of 1.7 (13) is the lowest Fremantle has ever conceded to a rival in the matches they have played at the MCG.
But Mykelti Lefau, the New Zealander who has proven a big hit in his first season as a mature-age recruit, demonstrated his potential yet again in another good performance.
Prior to the first bounce, Balta was full of praise for Lefau, who has played just six games.
“Mykelti in the VFL last year, we had a chance to pick him up, but unfortunately he tore his ACL and didn’t end up as our mid-season draft pick,” Balta said on SEN Radio.
“He is a champion, mate. I feel like everyone is just starting to realise what a champion he actually is. The strength that he has … when the ball is in his hands, no-one can tackle him.
“He is a natural. He has the talent for it and if he can get the game smarts for it, which he is learning … he is going to be a champion.”
Pitted against Fremantle captain Alex Pearce, Lefau conceded height, weight and experience.
But he started extremely well and was a factor throughout for the Tigers when kicking two of Richmond’s six goals.
“That is maybe the best defender in the game right now in Alex Pearce, who has been absolutely outstanding, and Mykelti Lefau has taken a mark on him … and kicked the first goal,” Fox Footy pundit Garry Lyon said.
“Alex Pearce is the All-Australian fullback. He has been so good. He has kept (Ben) McKay goalless, (Tex) Walker goalless, (Nick) Larkey to one goal. He is averaging 14 possessions per game.
“Lefau has effectively played on him the whole game and he has kicked two goals. He has kept Alex Pearce to just seven possessions and four marks.
“It has been one of the fantastic three quarters by an undermanned, undersized player against a modern-day leviathan and he has done an enormous job.”
Balta, meanwhile, expects to return next week against the Western Bulldogs after missing the last four weeks after injuring a medial ligament.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/live-afl-scores-2024-richmond-tigers-vs-fremantle-dockers-round-8-updates-stats-blog-start-time-teams-how-to-stream-news/news-story/59dccf05ac8185b6afba1b7cc629e237
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Apparently will have scans on his jaw (presumably on Monday). Copped a Lions player's knee to his face.
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Apparently will have scans on his jaw (presumably on Monday). Copped a Lions player's knee to his face.
Will probably get weeks for hurting someone’s knee with his jaw
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Not fractured. Will be monitored throughout the week.
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Not sure how he is doing it but would be close to our best player this year
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Not sure how he is doing it but would be close to our best player this year
D Rioli by the length of the Flemington Straight
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Not sure how he is doing it but would be close to our best player this year
D Rioli by the length of the Flemington Straight
Must say that's the weirdest spelling of "Vlastuin" I've ever seen.... :shh
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Not sure how he is doing it but would be close to our best player this year
D Rioli by the length of the Flemington Straight
Must say that's the weirdest spelling of "Vlastuin" I've ever seen.... :shh
Yep, great call :bow
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David Zita reporting there are fears he may have done his ACL
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I don't think he's done an ACL.
Not the regular motion you'd expect.
Was in pain but not ACL level pain.
Got up, jumped around, stayed on the ground a bit then walked himself off.
If anything he's done some PCL or even MCL damage. 3-6 weeks maybe?
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Tigers' injury crisis deepens with suspected fifth ACL
By Howard Kimber
afl.com.au
2 June 2024
To make matters worse, what looked like being a rare injury-free night went downhill in the worst possible way with promising key forward Mykelti Lefau leaving the ground with a suspected ACL injury after landing awkwardly from a marking contest.
"It doesn't look good," Tigers coach Adem Yze said after the game when asked about the extent of the injury.
"At this stage it does look like he might have hurt his knee, but obviously we'll get the scans on Monday.
"It'll be shattering if it is (an ACL injury) because he's in good form and he's a real talent.
"If it is we'll wrap our arms around him like we have with the other boys that have injured themselves."
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1141798/tigers-injury-crisis-deepens-with-suspected-fifth-acl
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The worst things about all these ACLs is it is now going to impact next season as well. It really stuffs up the list long term. As it stands we're already starting next year 5 players unavailable and we're only half way through this year
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I love the way this guy was playing.
Crashing packs.
Kneeing blokes in the head.
Not Bolton necessarily but that Cats bloke last night was good.
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This hurts more than the others IMO.
Hope it's a pcl.
Gray or Bauer to play now.
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I don't think he's done an ACL.
Not the regular motion you'd expect.
Was in pain but not ACL level pain.
Got up, jumped around, stayed on the ground a bit then walked himself off.
If anything he's done some PCL or even MCL damage. 3-6 weeks maybe?
He's one tough b_ugger
And he's done one before so I reckon he'd know.
Fingers crossed it's like you say Andyy, PCL or MCL but I'm not confident
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Club has confirmed he’s done his ACL.
What a season this is :help
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Shattering news.
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:facepalm
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In a crap year - I really looked forward to watching him play each weekend.
This is just terrible news.
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FFS
perhaps we can now stop recruiting players who have done acl's before
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Like melbourne who recruited Max Gawn?
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FFS
perhaps we can now stop recruiting players who have done acl's before
Pretty certain that wouldn’t have mattered last night.
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Damn.
I really had my hopes up.
This guy was one of few things to enjoy this year.
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Like melbourne who recruited Max Gawn?
id take my chances on the side that has players who havent done one.
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#meehanmagic stikes again.... :shh
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Really dreadful news. When was the last time this club had three players or more in a season do a knee.
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4 is the record in AFL history within a 12 month period.
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Add Street to the list if we are talking about the club list.
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stuffen stuff. Mrs Hardwick has put a curse on us that will last another 37 years!
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Skip to main content
Club Logo
Mykelti Lefau Injury Update
The latest on Mykelti Lefau's knee injury.
By Richmond Media
5 hrs ago
Scans have confirmed that Richmond forward Mykelti Lefau suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in last night’s match against Geelong.
The 25-year-old landed awkwardly on his right leg while contesting a mark late in the game at GMHBA Stadium.
Lefau had previously ruptured the ACL in his opposite (left) leg while playing in the VFL in 2022.
Richmond General Manager, Football Performance Tim Livingstone said it was shattering news for the talented Lefau.
“Football can be a cruel game sometimes, and for Mykelti, who has been in terrific form, this is an unfortunate way for his debut season to finish,” he added.
“Mykelti has not put a foot wrong since he joined our AFL program in the pre-season, and we know he will attack his rehab with the same professionalism and energy that has held him in such strong stead this season.
“We will give him our support every step of the way and help him to return to action and to continue with his promising career in 2025.”
Lefau has booted 14 goals from 10 matches since making his AFL debut in Round 3 against Port Adelaide.
The New Zealand-born forward was again a strong contributor for the Tigers last night, booting multiple goals for the fifth time this season.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1569942/mykelti-lefau-injury-update
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Joke !
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Joke !
I'm not laughing :(
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Bloody hell
5 ACL's on AFL list (Kelti, Gibbo, Naismith, Juddy,Young)
3 on VFL list :( (Street, Bravo, Nathan)
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EXTENSION COMING FOR TIGER
RICHMOND has committed to re-signing key forward Mykelti Lefau after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament on Saturday night.
Lefau was added to the Tigers' rookie list at the end of the pre-season supplemental selection period in February, but now faces a long stint on the sidelines with his second knee reconstruction in two years.
The Tigers had been working on a two-year deal before the injury and are expected to lock in an extension in the coming weeks.
Lefau was one of 10 players signed across the competition during the SSP and has been one of the most successful signings of the summer, kicking 14 goals from 10 appearances, including 3.2 against West Coast and four other games with two goals.
The New Zealander ruptured the ACL in his right knee at GMHBA Stadium – the opposite knee to the one he did in 2022 – and is the fifth Richmond player to suffer the season-ending injury this year.
– Josh Gabelich
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1145117/inside-trading-carlton-blue-alex-cincotta-to-land-deal-rivals-eye-brisbane-lions-pick-richmond-tiger-mykelti-lefau-to-extend
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This guy deserved an extension. Hope next year is better than this one and he wasn't having a low grade purple patch
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His third extension after the two Lukey Pookey's already given him.... :shh
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This guy deserved an extension. Hope next year is better than this one and he wasn't having a low grade purple patch
Agree.He deserves an extension. Gotta worry about the whole situation though. He is coming off a second knee he will be what 27 odd and
despite all the good signs is still learning the game.
Imo its Highly unlikely he will get a game even late next year with the injury and time it will take to get back up to speed.
if we manage to find some decent tall players then he will be pushing it for next year at least.
Just wish he was there for the taking a few years earlier than when we got him. No doubt he deserves a chance to have a crack at some sort of a career at the level.
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This guy deserved an extension. Hope next year is better than this one and he wasn't having a low grade purple patch
Agree.He deserves an extension. Gotta worry about the whole situation though. He is coming off a second knee he will be what 27 odd and
despite all the good signs is still learning the game.
Imo its Highly unlikely he will get a game even late next year with the injury and time it will take to get back up to speed.
if we manage to find some decent tall players then he will be pushing it for next year at least.
Just wish he was there for the taking a few years earlier than when we got him. No doubt he deserves a chance to have a crack at some sort of a career at the level.
Not saying he'll be the next JPod but I think of late blossoming players like that.
Lefau looks as fit as a trout. I reckon he'll be right to go either at the start or at least in the first half of next year.
I just hope he can become a 2+ goal/game player consistently and not just plod around 1-1.5/game.
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Fresh out of surgery and watching on (https://abs-0.twimg.com/emoji/v2/svg/1f49b.svg)
Rest up, Kelti!
#AFLCrowsTigers | #gotiges
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GPYs_qEbEAAulug?format=jpg&name=large)
https://x.com/Richmond_FC/status/1798674579730391254
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Unreal love this guy
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Unreal love this guy
Seems like a great clubman. Really hope he recovers and has a decent career. Looks like a good bloke for the rebuild.
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I had a really good chat to this bloke at a player sponsor's function back in April and again at the dinner last month (no I'm not one of his sponsors) but I have to say he is one of the most genuine blokes I've come across.
Appreciates the incredible opportunity he's been given. And simple doesn't want to let the Club or his teammates down. If attitude was to guarantee to success then this bloke will succeed no problem, 2nd reco or not
Top bloke :clapping
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Legend. Glad we gave him 2 years.
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"To get those 10 games under my belt meant so much... so the next two years is gonna be awesome for me just to work hard and I get to where I want to be." 💛
📹 Hear from Mykelti Lefau after signing a new two-year contract.
https://x.com/Richmond_FC/status/1823984218076274834
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Great news
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He was probably my highlight of 2024 .
However I will curtail my expectations after Cumberland’s fall from grace after a promising 2022 .
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Just putting some things out there not having a go at him just a few concerns. im on board with everyone that its good we have given him another go.
Something that has nagged away at me and i put a finger on it. His aerial work i just don't think he good in the air doesn't take a lot of marks or contested ones.Yep he competes in the air well he competes in most things.
Just putting it out there having got bits and pieces on him i think we should build his motor and play him as a big mid who rolls fwd to help stretch teams.
He is very physical when the ball is on the ground and players know he is around. He has played a bit in the midfield but we saw fit to play him as a forward. I think he plays more like a big medium forward who gives us a contest in the air.
Just some musings anyway.
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Mykelti Lefau gets it with his take on young supporters.
"It is awesome to see the young ones especially as they look up to you and you don’t really realise how much they look up to you until you see them look into your eyes, just the smile on their faces is awesome"
VIDEO: https://x.com/bostontiger35/status/1873518751066595503
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Former Rugby League star turned Tiger Mykelti Lefau's on the comeback trail with added motivation in 2025.
He's determined to repay Richmond’s faith after a serious knee injury ruined his debut season.
@KateMassey_7 #7NEWS
Watch here: https://x.com/7NewsMelbourne/status/1874365998402519108
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“I was going to give it up”: Richmond favourite reflects on recovery, AFL journey and Samoan heritage
Mitch Keating
zerohanger.com
2 Feb 2025
Richmond favourite Mykeli Lefau is confident he will "come back better" from his current ACL recovery, with the Tigers enforcer opening up on his rehabilitation and his gratitude to the club.
Lefau - accompanied by teammates Josh Gibcus, Tylar Young, Taj Hoton and Judson Clarke - flew to Samoa this weekend, with the 26-year-old touching down in his native land for the first time ever.
The Tigers utility was born to a Samoan father and a New Zealand mother, with Lefua growing up across the Tasman before moving to Australia.
Amid Lefau's long-term recovery, Richmond have given the big-bodied Tiger the chance to tell his story to family in Samoa, while introducing teammates to his culture and people.
The opportunity has left Lefau "speechless", with the second-year Tiger taking the time to reflect on his journey to Punt Road - one which almost saw him give up on his football dream.
"I was thinking yesterday about what the club has done for me," Lefau said.
"When I came here, I honestly thought I was going to give it up and give up the AFL dream, and now this is all happening, and they're taking me back to Samoa. I'm honestly speechless.
"I can't believe we're actually going that's just such a massive opportunity. And I'm just so grateful for the club.
"It would be such an awesome opportunity to go over there and leave a Tiger footprint. The opportunity that can come from this is just unreal.
"It's my first time going. Just going back to my roots where my culture is and just doing it with the club that I love, that's what I'm most looking forward to."
Lefau has undergone a meteoric rise since learning of Aussie Rules as a teenager, featuring for the Casey Demons before landing with Richmond's VFL program.
A strong 2023 campaign saw Lefau emerge on Richmond's radar as a potential AFL player, with the club pulling the trigger almost 12 months ago to offer the strong-tackling Tiger a contract.
Having blazed the trail, Lefau knows the same chance can be afforded to Pasifika AFL prospects with the needed support and resources.
"There's already been lots of people talking to me about how they used to play AFL back when they were younger. Islanders, Pacific Islanders, and they didn't really get much, much support I suppose so," he said.
"So this is going to be massive, just to let them know that you can do whatever you want.
"We just have so much potential in this sport, because you can play any size, you can have any ability. You can work at it and you can eventually make it here."
Lefau's journey to the AFL didn't come without heartache, with his current ACL injury not the first of his career.
Having suffered the same setback several seasons ago, only to return stronger, Lefau has learned not to take anything for granted - a challenge that will see him come back better than ever.
"Just expect the unexpected all the time, never take anything for granted," Lefau said of his injury battle.
"I was obviously riding that roller coaster at the top and just came straight back down.
"I learned resilience with the first ACL that I did, that's for sure. Just kept me honest to make sure that I never skip a beat and always stay prepared.
"I came back from my first ACL better so I know I can come back better the second time."
Lefau's recovery has remained on course since suffering the injury in May last year, with a potential mid-season return on the cards for the Tigers attacker.
https://www.zerohanger.com/i-was-going-to-give-it-up-richmond-favourite-reflects-on-recovery-afl-journey-and-samoan-heritage-158189/