One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: one-eyed on November 28, 2019, 08:46:50 PM
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Welcome to the premiers, Hugo :).
The rumours were true about us being interested in him.
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(https://s.afl.com.au/staticfile/AFL%20Tenant/Richmond/Archive/1_NABPFOaSa19GDP996660370.JPG)
Ralphsmith to Richmond
richmondfc.com.au
Nov 28, 2019 8:49PM
Richmond has used its fourth selection (No. 46 overall) in the 2019 national draft to recruit Sandringham Dragons midfielder/forward Hugo Ralphsmith.
Here is a summary of what Richmond fans can expect to see from Hugo on-field...
Club: Sandringham Dragons
State: Victoria
Height: 186cm
Weight: 70kg
This year Hugo split his football between Haileybury College and the Sandringham Dragons in the NAB League. He also played 3 games for Vic Metro in the National Championships. Hugo averaged 16 possessions, 4 marks and a goal for Sandringham playing as a wingman and across half forward.
Hugo had a dominant final against the Calder Cannons kicking 3.3 along with 19 possessions and 8 marks. His aerial work and running ability was too much for his opposition, highlighting his clear AFL attributes.
Hugo has considerable scope for improvement given his athletic gifts. He has the potential to play as a dangerous forward or a hard running outside midfielder at the elite level with his size, speed and aerobic capacity. We are excited about what Hugo can become in time.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-11-28/2019-draft-fourth-selection
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VIDEO:
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/2019-11-28/2019-afl-draft-pick-46-hugo-ralphsmith
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looks like our recruiters have gone all or nothing with our picks. I fear the ramifications of this draft for the future. Dow looks average, the 2 boys from Brisbane, their own club didn't even want to keep them and Ralphsmith could be something or nothing, lets hope he is better than his dad.
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Gee glass half empty Ramp. Back our guys in as they deserve respect with recent results :thumbsup
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Haha reading this thread and the outrage when no one here has seen these kids.
Cumberland in our system = potential star.
Martyn is a ball magnet with high level athletic capabilities.
Ralphsmith is my boy and couldn’t be happier, could become anything!
I don’t know how anyone can doubt our guys, but each their own. This seems to me like we have picked guys we can lock away for a couple of years and develop and be there ready when our current crew start retiring.
Good list management
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Haha reading this thread and the outrage when no one here has seen these kids.
Cumberland in our system = potential star.
Martyn is a ball magnet with high level athletic capabilities.
Ralphsmith is my boy and couldn’t be happier, could become anything!
I don’t know how anyone can doubt our guys, but each their own. This seems to me like we have picked guys we can lock away for a couple of years and develop and be there ready when our current crew start retiring.
Good list management
This ^^
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Becoming a bit of a negative nelly there ramps
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I said what I believe. Time will show everything but I have doubts on every single one of them. As I said for the 2 Brisbane lads, the Lions weren't prepared to match with pick 59. Pick 59 - Does anyone think Fagan and co wouldn't have matched if they thought theyd be good afl players?
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Don’t be fooled by phantom drafts, media don’t do the research into players that our club does . They haven’t got it too wrong for a few years now.
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Haha reading this thread and the outrage when no one here has seen these kids.
Cumberland in our system = potential star.
Martyn is a ball magnet with high level athletic capabilities.
Ralphsmith is my boy and couldn’t be happier, could become anything!
I don’t know how anyone can doubt our guys, but each their own. This seems to me like we have picked guys we can lock away for a couple of years and develop and be there ready when our current crew start retiring.
Good list management
Congratulations on your sons recruitment.
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PICS:
(https://s.afl.com.au/staticfile/AFL%20Tenant/AFL/Files/Images/Draft/2019/RALPHSMITH-Hugo.jpg)
(https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/0de1c027908ef2347c37f5e61fbec97f?width=1024) (http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/TAC+Cup+Preliminary+Final+Dandenong+v+Sandringham+gUw2l8jFJ-3l.jpg)
(https://cdn.draftcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/SD-Hugo-Ralphsmith-1-300x300.jpg) (https://s.afl.com.au/staticfile/AFL%20Tenant/Hugo%20Ralphsmith.jpg)
(https://scontent.fbne2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/78408670_1394817760682613_1909341665785544704_o.jpg?_nc_cat=102&_nc_ohc=OCl4QyHxSWsAQmQ8nFCfbi9ea_Y3MAc8kMimj_cUyrIrMjnDGk65DGAkw&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne2-1.fna&oh=a6c8efa9f567da9e5fa4c654a9931197&oe=5E499A96)
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(https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/attachments/1574934525214-png.786337/)
DRAFT ANALYSIS: “A talented forward who oozes X-factor, Ralphsmith causes headaches in the air and at ground level with his fantastic leap and line breaking speed.”
EASILY confused with fellow Dragons teammate Miles Bergman as they player in similar positions and both catch the eye with their athleticism, size and blonde locks. If one is quiet, the other is usually causing havoc for opposition defenders. Ralphsmith showed how dangerous he could be in a final against the Calder Cannons kicking three first quarter goals proving too strong in the air and too quick and slick at ground level. He would finish the game with 19 disposals, eight marks and kicking 3.3 in his best performance for the year. Ralphsmith oozes talent and despite underperforming for Vic Metro he was still able to pull of one of the plays of the championships kicking a long range banana and make it look effortless and it’s almost a case of what cant he do as a forward as he ticks a lot of boxes and is the type of player you could see flourishing in a team like Richmond that like to move the ball on at all cost.
STRENGTHS:
X-Factor
Vertical leap
Speed
Work rate
Clean hands
IMPROVEMENTS:
Contested game
Consistency
If the draft was done on a highlights package Ralphsmith would go very early as he displays traits similar to 2018 rising star winner Jaidyn Stephenson as a medium forward at 188cm he can do it all taking overhead marks with his impressive leap and swooping on the crumbs with his speed and clean hands. Ralphsmith is not afraid to fly for high marks and with his timing can even outmark taller players and if he doesn’t take the mark he is quick to recover and quickly gather and look to snap at goal, he can also play on a wing where he likes to run and carry and he is very hard to stop once he gets on his bike and he can glide across the ground effortlessly. Ralphsmith was a strong performer at the combine testing well for speed and leap but it was his 2km time that really impressed and showed his ability to push hard which will be required at the next level whether as a dashing wingman or hybrid forward, to go with the speed and work rate he also has clean hands and rarely fumbles even under pressure which is a great trait to have as a forward especially where there is a lot of pressure to be clean and make the most of your opportunities. If he puts everything together Ralphsmith can be a match winner at AFL level.
Ralphsmith certainly looks good with ball in hand and he gets most of his possession up the ground was a wingman playing an outside role and although his contested numbers are solid for his position it is always something that could improve as he has great hands and speed which could be utilised at stoppages more if he can refine his ability to win the contested ball but he is just so damaging on the outside that its really not a major issue at this stage. Most modern forwards incorporate pressure acts into their game which is an area Ralphsmith could also improve especially with his speed and work rate being so good he could really stroke the perfect balance of attacking flair and defensive acts. When Ralphsmith is up and running he can hard to stop and is usually strong for one quarter, but could have little influence for others and that goes for entire games with half of his games in the NAB League going goalless which is usually fine if the forward has offered a lot of defensive pressure which has not been the case for Ralphsmith and although he has spent a lot of the time on the wing as well his disposal numbers in those goalless games would have to be better as he has only gone over 20 disposals once this year.
https://afl.draftcentral.com.au/player/hugo-ralphsmith/
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35. Hugo RALPHSMITH
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Position: Outside Midfielder/Medium Forward
Size: 188cm, 75kg
Bio: Ralphsmith might not have put together a complete game at all levels in 2019, but what he showed will make a number of clubs tempted to use an early selection on the 17-year-old. Ralphsmith was used deep forward by Haileybury College throughout 2019, but was pushed up the ground by Vic Metro and Sandringham Dragons. He has X-Factor and looked most at home playing across half-forward where he used his speed and class with aplomb. The Victorian could develop into one of the steals of the draft when looking back in a number of years.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-draft-2019-draft-prospects-players-player-profiles-matt-rowell-noah-anderson-draft-rankings/news-story/bb21ff89472da9320f744f531cec723a
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Star turn for Sandy Dragon Ralphsmith
Moorabbin Kingston Leader
September 9, 2019
Hugo was the go-to man.
Sandringham Dragons confidently moved through to the NAB League preliminary finals and a meeting with Oakleigh Chargers when they swept aside Calder Cannons in the semi-final at Carlton on Saturday.
Hugo Ralpsmith had a big hand in the 8.7 (55) to 1.12 (18) victory in the testing conditions.
The Vic Metro representative kicked three goals in the first quarter and finished the match with 3.3, 19 possessions, eight marks, best-afield accolades and a boost from coach Josh Bourke.
“He got a match-up that we thought was pretty good for us,’’ Bourke said.
“When you stack the forward line with a little bit of talent, there was always someone who was going to get a favourable match-up, and he got it.
“He’s been on the wing most of the year but he’s played forward for his school and he’s very good above his head and on the ground. He’s got a good mix of athletic attributes. We thought he might be dangerous there — and he turned out to be really dangerous.’’
Bourke said Ralphsmith had had an “up and down’’ season and was searching for a performance like he delivered against the Cannons.
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/nab-league/nab-league-2019-hugo-ralphsmith-sparkles-as-sandy-dragons-see-off-calder-cannons/news-story/0cd1722441b6c15b6a4966c8103fb92a
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Class of 2019: Pressure to perform almost ended athletic forward's draft hopes
AFL.com.au
Callum Twomey
Nov 2, 2019
HUGO Ralphsmith's NAB AFL Draft Combine was a clear reminder to recruiters of his athletic attributes.
But his coach at Haileybury College in Melbourne's school system, Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd, didn’t need his memory refreshed in regard to Ralphsmith's qualities.
"He [polarises] people and they're unsure about him, but I look at his athleticism, his speed and his ability to go to full forward and take marks on the lead," Lloyd said recently.
"He runs like Isaac Smith and he'll run for you all day long…he's a guy who could be anything at AFL level."
Clubs know the 17-year-old wingman/forward can do some special things.
He can outrun nearly anyone (Ralphsmith finished fifth in the Combine's 2km time trial, running 6:12 minutes) and can also leap high and take spectacular grabs (he was equal fifth in the running vertical jump test).
But, like one of Ralphsmith's attempts at a screamer, his season had its ups and downs.
He started slowly for Vic Metro at the mid-year under-18 championships, and had been dropped by the end of the carnival. He wishes he approached the carnival differently.
"I probably built up the championships as being bigger than they are. I thought it was this be-all end-all type of thing," Ralphsmith told AFL.com.au.
"I definitely saw it coming because I wasn't playing the best footy that I know I can. My year was a little bit inconsistent."
Ralphsmith spent much of the end of the Sandringham Dragons' NAB League season playing as a deep forward, where the 186cm prospect could highlight his aerial ability.
At stages throughout the year he also went into the midfield and displayed his run and carry, averaging 15 disposals in 10 games, and he hopes he can play more of an inside role once his body matures.
Ralphsmith said growing up competing in athletics events had left an impact on his style.
"I was a pretty little kid and was always an outside midfielder. Growing up I did a lot of athletics and training with that, so I was always trying to be the quickest out there," he said.
"As I grew it (speed) was my strength as an outside midfielder, and it's helped me nowadays.
"Through the back end of the year I was playing a lot more forward, so I would have liked to be more around the ball. I think I probably should have taken it on a bit more when I had my chance."
Ralphsmith has had a handy person in his corner during a season that has had its challenges, with his father, Sean, playing 34 games for Hawthorn and St Kilda from 1988-94.
"He helps me with some little things to get an extra touch here or there," he said. "He was unlucky to be at the Hawks during a great era with a great team, so he played a lot of reserves footy."
Ralphsmith's talent is likely to see him picked in the first 30 selections at this month's draft, with clubs in the second round considering his place. When reflecting on his season, Ralphsmith would change one key element.
"Not to be so stressed about it, and to just enjoy it and know why you're playing footy," he said.
"Throughout the year I definitely built it up to be pretty stressful and was focusing a lot on next year rather than this year. In the back end of the year I focused on what was happening right now."
https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-11-02/class-of-2019-pressure-to-perform-almost-ended-athletic-forwards-draft-hopes
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36. HUGO RALPHSMITH
186cm, 70kg, Vic Metro/Sandringham Dragons, midfielder
Buckenara says: Ralphsmith is going to be a later developer. He’s the son of my former teammate Sean Ralphsmith, who played 34 games for Hawthorn and St Kilda, but doesn’t qualify as a father-son for either club. He has inherited his dad’s commitment and competitiveness in the contest (his dad was a kamikaze-style player who was often banned by ‘Yabby’ Jeans from one-on-one training because it was too dangerous to have him pitted against the ‘thoroughbreds’ as Yabby would say!). He’s around the same size as his dad and plays as a hardworking midfielder but has also spent time deep forward where he flies for his marks. Has ability but is still raw and it may take time for him to fully develop consistency in performance.
Plays like: Connor Blakely
Stats: Disposals 11.1, contested possessions 3.7, clearances 1.5, tackles 2.0, goals 0.7, score involvements 3.3, pressure acts 11.0, ranking points 49
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/expert-opinion/gary-buckenara/gary-buckenara-names-his-top-50-prospects-for-2019-afl-draft/news-story/83660db08be1e249f1f09b59a75b8a2b
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I said what I believe. Time will show everything but I have doubts on every single one of them. As I said for the 2 Brisbane lads, the Lions weren't prepared to match with pick 59. Pick 59 - Does anyone think Fagan and co wouldn't have matched if they thought theyd be good afl players?
Richmond recruiters do what every other recruiting team does and lists every player in order in their assessment of best to worse. Every list would be similar at the top end and then wildly different towards the bottom.
Given the team success over the last few years and the recruiting hits over 2014-2018 and also the way we play (a system the other teams are baffled by) requiring fast endurance players then for me personally I will watch with interest how these 5 and the one to be taken today are absorbed into the Richmond Collective and developed over the next couple of years. All 5 taken are quick.
Suggest there were plenty of doubts on Castagna, Baker and Soldo
The good thing for me was that the 5 taken were all capable of running in the midfield
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Oh and on Brisbane not matching did you see them slapping each other on the back as they got their man they obviously rated higher than the two we got.
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Richmond’s National Recruiting Manager Matthew Clarke on Ralphsmith:
Sandringham Dragons midfielder/forward Hugo Ralphsmith was our fourth pick at no. 46 overall. He really impressed this year in the NAB league, particularly during finals. What can the Tiger Army expect to see from Hugo?
"He’s pretty exciting, Hugo. He’s a really good athlete, he’s got really good speed, he’s got a really good endurance base which fits our athletic profile. He can take some marks, he’s played some really good footy at Haileybury and also at the Dragons. He’s a terrific young man and we’re really happy to have him."
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-11-29/afl-draft-recap
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(https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/b289a115d6a79eb6fef69fcd151dfc71?width=1024)
New Richmond draftee Hugo Ralphsmith at Punt Rd. Pic: Tony Gough
No confusion as Tigers draft Dragon
Chris Cavanagh
Sunday Herald Sun
1 December 2019
Hugo Ralphsmith hopes the Richmond did not make a mistake in picking him in the national draft.
It would not be the first time he was subject to mistaken identity, with recruiters having been known to get him mixed up with a Sandringham Dragons teammate who could pass as his twin brother – Josh Worrell.
“I love playing with Josh and he was doing some good things and got confused with me. So that’s probably why I got drafted,” Ralphsmith said with a laugh.
“Chuck Miles Bergman in that team as well and who knows who.”
Worrell found his way to Adelaide at pick 28 in Thursday night’s national draft, while Bergman is now on Port Adelaide’s list after going at pick 14.
The Tigers pounced on Ralphsmith with pick 46, which capped off a big November for the teenager.
He turned 18 on November 9, got braces taken off his teeth, passed his drivers licence test and finished Year 12 exams at Haileybury College before finding an AFL home.
The selection brought even the ‘Terminator’ to tears, that being his father Sean Ralphsmith who played 30 games for Hawthorn and St Kilda in the 1980s and 90s.
“He didn’t have many words or advice, it was just more tears, I think,” Ralphsmith said.
“He was over the moon as well. He was probably just as stoked as me. He’s been on this journey for the last couple of years with me so he was absolutely over the moon.”
Ralphsmith said he could not take off a Richmond scarf for almost 24 hours after being drafted, quickly forgetting about his allegiance to Hawthorn, who he had supported his whole life.
Text messages quickly came in from a host of new teammates, including Tom Lynch, Jack Riewoldt and Daniel Rioli.
“My phone’s been blowing up, which I was not expecting,” Ralphsmith said.
An outside midfielder or half-forward, Ralphsmith averaged 11 disposals and kicked two goals from three games for Vic Metro at the national championships this year.
Liked by the Tigers for his speed, endurance and athletic abilities, he hopes to mould into a more permanent onballer in the future.
“Definitely over the years I want to put on a bit of size and push into the midfield and forward, swap between that,” Ralphsmith said.
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/richmond-draftee-hugo-ralphsmith-joins-under18-teammates-on-afl-list/news-story/4affe6968c3bd700544c8fe691236307
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Matthew Lloyd believes there’s no ceiling to what Hugo Ralphsmith can achieve over the course of his league football career.
Lloyd was Ralphsmith’s football coach at Haileybury College.
“He polarises people and they’re unsure about him, but I look at his athleticism, his speed and his ability to go to full-forward and take marks on the lead,” Lloyd said.
“He runs like Isaac Smith and he’ll run for you all day long . . . he's a guy who could be anything at AFL level.”
Ralphsmith also received a ringing endorsement from Mark Wheeler, the talent manager at the Sandringham Dragons, where he played under-18s football in the NAB League.
“He’s got some elite athletics traits,” Wheeler said.
“Position-wise, he’s probably still working out which one suits him best.
“We think he can be that second or third forward.
“You can’t put a small on him because he goes too high up and you can’t put a tall on him because he’s got elite speed. He’s a hard match-up.
“With 12 months under his belt (in the AFL system), he’s going to fly up the ladder.”
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-12-01/hugos-huge-upside
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(http://oneeyed-richmond.com/images/draft/CDRalphsmith.jpg)
https://twitter.com/championdata
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Tiger draftee Hugo Ralphsmith has already impressed at his new club with a strong time in the club’s three kilometre time-trial on Saturday.
“He came out and ran really impressively in the (time-trial) … right up the front,” Clarke said.
“I can see him playing as a marking forward or on the wing outside, he’s got good wheels and a big tank so he can push up and back all day hopefully.”
Source: Herald-Sun (https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-recruiting-manager-says-clubs-will-be-looking-to-snare-more-northern-academy-prospects/news-story/2a44ac142de8dda6723f0456be53f2d3)
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VIDEO: https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/547760/ralphsmith-stoked-to-be-at-tigerland
“Dad [former Hawthorn and St Kilda player Sean] was a coach of mine growing up for six or eight years, which was really helpful,” he said.
“He knows all about the AFL lifestyle and growing up and being under that pressure, so he helped me with a lot of little things.
“I don’t think too many words were spoken (on draft night), it was a couple of tears and a lot of pride and joy coming from him.”
“I can’t really put it into words, I think I’m the happiest man in the world at the moment," he said.
“I’m really excited to play with ‘Biggie’ as I’ve played against him a little bit."
The midfielder/forward retained his impressive athleticism, displaying his speed and aerobic capacity in the NAB League for the Sandringham Dragons this year. His produced an impressive final against the Calder Cannons, where he was damaging with three first-quarter goals to go with 19 possessions and eight marks.
“In finals series, the standard steps up another level,” he said.
“Playing some decent football there has really helped me and I think taking confidence from that will send me into the pre-season and going forward.”
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/547954/ralphsmith-raring-to-go
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A dad's diary: Exclusive insight into new Tiger's road to the draft
By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
9th January 2020
AT THE end of 2018, Sean Ralphsmith started to write a diary.
His son, Hugo, was shaping as a possible draftee in 2019, and Sean wanted to jot down the key moments from his under-18 season.
Sean had history in the game – he played four games for Hawthorn and 30 for the Saints between 1988 and 1994 – but had no idea what was in store from a parent's perspective.
So in helping Hugo reach his goal – the midfielder was eventually drafted by Richmond last November – Sean also wanted to keep tabs on things in a journal format.
"I've always been a bit of a writer and have written a diary about my kids' lives and everything they've done. When I thought at the end of his bottom-age year that Hugo was a chance to be drafted, I thought if it ever happened it would be a great story as I know so many parents want to know what it's like," he said.
Ralphsmith supplied his family's road to the draft to AFL.com.au, charting the highs, lows and unusual experiences of being a prospective AFL player's parents – and how so many others share the ride.
"It is all-consuming and very stressful. When you realise your kid's a chance you get this build-up of hope and expectation and then it's all there for you to lose, whereas if you never have the expectation it's all good," Sean said.
The edited extracts below, all written by Sean, highlight Hugo's passage to the Tigers, and how the family saw each of his significant moments.
Sean's message to Hugo in September, 2018
"Mate you couldn't have achieved any more this year. Play well Grand Final day. Do a good pre-season. You'll be stronger and faster and better again next year. Then it's all up to you. We'll be watching and cheering. And you'll be great."
Signing a manager
They can be the extra three or four per cent when talking to recruiters, providing feedback, helping him to improve. I ask Paul [Connors] if he is just being kind to us because we are friends, but that's not the case, he says. 'Jake' (Connors' nickname) follows up next day – "We are not taking anything for granted - so let's be clear - we want to manage Hugo".
Pre-season setback (December 17, 2018)
Bugger. After the Vic Metro camp at Ballarat and a week training with the Western Bulldogs, Hugo spends a few days with his school mates at Lake Eildon boating with Harry Traum, skiing and jet skiing.
My heart sinks when Harry's mum Dani – a good friend and footy mum herself – calls the day after we have left to come back to work. Hugo's had an accident. I leave work immediately and jump in the car and drive to Healesville to meet them and take him to hospital. "Looks like a broken ankle," she says.
He got his ankle caught in a rope and he's dragged several metres behind a jet ski under water, almost pulling his foot off (apparently). Hugo said afterwards he was more concerned about drowning than his foot at the time.
Ultimately the scans and X-ray show no break or tendon damage. Just enormous pain from bruising, swelling and the rope burns/cuts. He basically strangled his foot. So crutches and moon boot for a while. Huge relief!
Early form (March-May, 2019)
Hugo starts the season with a bang – playing great footy with Sandringham Dragons in the first three rounds, and then dominating a few games of school football at Haileybury, swapping from on ball to full forward. He's in the leadership group for both teams.
First club interview (June)
Around this time Hugo got his first club interview - his team the Hawks. It's a great experience and Mark McKenzie and Mark Smart seem to like Hugo. They also sell the vision of their new facilities they're planning to build in Dingley which is really exciting. They also mention that they will interview about 70 players this year – which puts it into perspective!
We debrief and discuss how to best answer some questions. Hugo is great – he just needs a bit more confidence I feel. I had been in touch with my good mate Dean Anderson to get the lowdown on the types of questions Noah has been asked by clubs. Hugo and I discussed them which was good practice.
Following the media
Last year when we knew many of the boys in the draft I loved listening to who was performing and what they were saying. It was really interesting when you've seen many of these boys grow up. And my own kid was not in the mix so there was no anxiety about it at all.
This year, with Hugo in consideration I have deliberately avoided listening or reading virtually everything to do with the U18s, match reports and the draft/prospects/podcasts. However, it's different for his mum Jackie who consumes everything available. It makes for some interesting conversations at home…
The Vic Metro experience (June/July)
Hugo is thrilled to be picked on a wing for Vic Metro in the national championships. His first game at the MCG against Vic Country is not great – lacking confidence. The next two against WA and SA are better but he doesn't set the world on fire.
Sadly, he's dropped for the last game. Metro play Allies and lose again in a close one. Hugo's mate Finn Maginness gets best for Metro. [His other close friend] Fischer McAsey is named MVP. These boys have effectively secured their goal of being drafted. Hugo is left to resurrect his season at the Dragons.
It's not all bad though, as he continues to play great footy for his school Haileybury, who go on to win the APS premiership, tying with rivals Carey and Caulfield Grammar. His coaches Dave Lappage and Matthew Lloyd are a great support to him throughout the whole season.
The interviews mount up
I put a list of AFL clubs together and tick off those that have asked to meet with Hugo. Suddenly there have been 11 clubs interested with six being interstate. Jackie and I discuss how it's mildly disappointing my club Saints have not yet expressed any interest. But there's still time!
Port Adelaide interview (August)
Toward the end of the chat they asked what it had been like being interviewed by other clubs. Hugo acknowledges we had been lucky enough to have had most clubs come to our home which was a privilege and a great experience. Like being interviewed for a job 15 times.
I added that we did feel privileged that there had been so much interest in our son. I mentioned we'd got into a routine of judging the clubs on three criteria after they leave.
- Whether we think they really like Hugo as a player.
- Whether they are interested in our family as well, or just him.
- Whether they 'sell' their club to Hugo/us or was it all just one way.
"How did we do?" asked their recruiter Brett Anderson.
"Very well I think! I feel it was a strong yes to all three." However, Hugo was a little bit vague in the interview - and as soon as they leave he rushes to the bathroom to vomit. He's got gastro and spends the next six hours being terribly ill! He loses 4kgs that week before the Dragons' first final.
Pressure mounts (August-September)
First NAB League final at Ballarat. Dragons beaten easily by Eastern. Hugo very quiet along with most of his teammates. Next week might be his last game to prove himself. The pressure is on. It was a very quiet car trip home. I feel he needs to perform on this stage – there's still plenty he needs to prove. In a rare post game comment I tell him that. Couldn’t help myself. His response was a sarcastic "Really?"
I think he's feeling the pressure more than I had realised.
The coaches' plan to let Hugo 'just enjoy his footy' works the following week in the semi-final against Calder. Hugo kicks three goals in the first quarter and virtually takes the game away from the Cannons who struggle to kick goals all day. Hugo takes his marks. Hits his targets. Plays a great game. Dragons win through to the preliminary final. Finally he's played well on this stage. I think this will go a long way to helping him achieve his dream.
End of season (September-October)
Unfortunately, the Dragons lose badly in the preliminary final against Oakleigh, so the season is over and there's not much more he can do. We think he's put his best foot forward and there's still eight or more clubs interested in him we hope. Half are interstate so if he is picked we could well be waving goodbye to him two days after the draft, an exciting and sad thought at the same time.
He attends the national combine in early October and performs really well – achieving top-10 performances in the 20m sprint, vertical jump and the 2km time trial. We hope this helps his chances.
Richmond's interest (October)
We hear that the Tigers have some interest in Hugo. They were one of the few clubs who interviewed him without his parents so we have not met them. We discuss all the trades still going on (it's the Telstra AFL Trade Period which seemingly goes on forever) and hope the Tigers don't do a late trade and give away their picks in the 30s. We are cautiously excited at the prospect of him going there.
Hugo receives messages from Melbourne and Freo who want to catch up just after exams. What picks have they got? We check. All of a sudden he’s hoping not to be picked to go interstate. "Don't assume anything mate," I say. "I know." he says. But he actually now thinks he is going to be drafted.
Working it out (October)
We know through either a lack of interest (Adelaide, Collingwood, Melbourne) or lack of draft picks in the range (Carlton, Suns, Giants, Saints, Eagles, Bulldogs) certain clubs probably won't pick our boy. Geelong haven't been in contact either but apparently that's how they roll even if they're keen. So you never know.
That leaves a handful of interstate and local clubs who we think are most likely to call his name. I think it could be Richmond, but if he goes earlier Sydney, North Melbourne, Port Adelaide and Essendon are the most likely based on their strong level of interest and their picks.
Selfishly we have cautiously discussed that if Hugo is lucky enough to be picked we hope it's a Melbourne based club. I think we'd really love Hawthorn (pick 30) or Richmond (picks 38, 39, 41). But we suspect the Hawks will need to use pick 30 to match a likely bid that will come for his good mate Finn Maginness. Equally Richmond picks are later in that range – we'd love to think they could trade up to get him but that’s getting presumptuous.
Also, I find Hugo's doodlings in his study as he muses over the likelihood of being drafted by each club based presumably on his experiences with each so far.
The outside noise (November)
Everywhere we go people talk to you about Hugo being drafted. Every day. Work functions, Melbourne Cup, social settings. Family. It's unavoidable. We can only imagine it's the same for Hugo, but probably tenfold. It's exciting, daunting and challenging at the same time. I spend a lot of time deflecting conversations about him. Everything's great unless the commentators have got it wrong....and we'll be left to pick up the pieces.
Hectic November
Hugo turns 18. Gets his new car (very exciting!). Finishes exams, goes to schoolies with his mates and gets his braces off. What a time in his life! And then the draft.
Port Adelaide (pick 29) make contact and want to do a Skype interview. Then Essendon call and want to meet again.
Counting down
November 21
I take Hugo out to the Hangar at Essendon and on the way out there I suggest to Hugo it's time to have more confidence in himself, and show the recruiters you have great self-belief and you can make it at this level. We meet the recruiting team again as well as Adrian Dodoro for the first time.
He leads the discussion which goes from friendly – engaging with both of us – to footy serious quite quickly. He asks Hugo some earnest questions about his strengths and weaknesses and gets into him about whether he’s ready to play in a man’s world and whether he can cope with the hard stuff. Hugo answers really well. They play his highlights vision on the screen behind him while he’s talking (he ignores it to focus on his interview, whilst I crane my neck to watch the good bits). They ask why his national championships campaign wasn't great. Why he doesn't get over 20 touches very often. Then two questions I'll remember his answer to...
Are you going to be an ok AFL player, a good player or a great player?
“I’ll be a great player,” he states confidently.
How great? What will they say about you in this draft in five years' time?
“They’ll look back and say I should have been a top-10 pick."
Wow. He surprises even his dad with this response. They acknowledge it with a smile. Great!
Declining draft invitation
He sends a message back to Kevin Sheehan at the AFL respectfully declining the invitation to night two of the draft saying he'd prefer to stay at home and watch it with his family. We think this is the right decision. His mates Finn Maginness and Josh Worrell are doing the same after being invited. To have cameras in your face waiting for your name to be called would be excruciating, especially when there's no guarantees with night two picks.
Draft night two (November 28)
Another very long and distracted day at work. Finally the night arrives. Hugo's grandparents Helen and Danny are there, his girlfriend Bella, sister Maisie and Jackie and I. Also in the back seats are Cam and Dani Traum, great friends who we have watched the last two drafts with.
We are really hoping for Hugo to be picked by Richmond but as pick swaps and bids for other players eventuate, Richmond's picks are pushed back from 38, 39, 40 to 43, 44 and 45. And every time a club we thought liked Hugo (Essendon, North, Melbourne had recent interest) picked somebody else, I think we all feel let down, despite the Tigers being the team we all want, and we think, want him. And so we all become increasingly tense. Each pick seems to take forever.
Then finally we get to Richmond's first of three picks in a row. They make a bid on a Brisbane academy player, Noah Cumberland, which Brisbane does not match. Two chances left. Then they make another bid on another Brisbane academy player, Will Martyn. Again it's not matched. Stress!!! Only one chance left, pick No.45. I start looking forward on the list, assuming they are not picking Hugo, and wondering what other chances are coming. Perhaps St Kilda at No.53?
And then the Tigers do the unthinkable. They swap pick 45! What??? Disaster, I think, for a second.
(It must be said that all of this stress and anxiety is limited to quiet groans as I don't want Hugo and the rest of the family to feel or hear my stress. I try hard to keep a positive demeanour for the next pick for the benefit of others.)But they get back pick No.46, the very next pick, from Collingwood. Collingwood pick a Pies tragic Trent Bianco who was ranked in the top-20. All good. Then it's back to Richmond and our 'last' chance with pick 46. They take the full five minutes to select. Why do they take so long? We can see them on the phone, which is very disconcerting. Not another swap, or bid, we hope. It's the longest five minutes of our lives. Then the familiar chime. "The pick is in". AFL football operations manager Stephen Hocking appears on screen.
"With pick 46, Richmond has selected Hugo........" We don't even hear the surname. Our room explodes with joy. And relief. Tears. It's indescribable. I am overwhelmed. Hugo doesn't move, sitting with his head in his hands and we all jump around and hug him and each other. Hugo has been drafted by Richmond.
The aftermath
Within 10 minutes there are 20 people in our house, within an hour it's an instant party of 60. We drag out the champagne and beer we had bought quietly in the hope of this night. Family, friends, and eventually his other teammates and fellow draftees arrive – Finn Maginness, Miles Bergman and Josh Worrell and their families.
It was such an awesome, high spirited, fun night that we will never forget.
Over the weekend one of the many Richmond players who message Hugo is Jack Riewoldt.
"Hi mate. Congratulations. Welcome to Richmond. I hear you live Bayside. Would you like a lift to training?"
https://www.afl.com.au/news/365177/a-dad-s-diary-exclusive-insight-into-new-tiger-s-road-to-the-draft
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Great read :clapping
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Great read but I would like to read one for one of the 100's of kids that miss out on their dream
Having a son in the talent pathway a few years ago I was amazed at the lack of communication from the NAB League club both during his playing tenure but more once they realized he wasn't going to be drafted. Very little feedback and basically kicked to the curb. No thanks for travelling for the past 2 years etc, no follow up to see if he was OK as his life was shattered.
As a parent, we did not receive an email, letter, text or have a single conversation with the club which was so very poor.
I don't think they realize they are dealing with kids sometimes.
But well done Hugo, this was a great read.
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I couldn't agree more. I have a similar story. The lack of communication and the realisation that some very talented kids are used to highlight the bigger boys who the developers get their financial reward when drafted. A very toxic system sadly.
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Over the weekend one of the many Richmond players who message Hugo is Jack Riewoldt.
"Hi mate. Congratulations. Welcome to Richmond. I hear you live Bayside. Would you like a lift to training?"
https://www.afl.com.au/news/365177/a-dad-s-diary-exclusive-insight-into-new-tiger-s-road-to-the-draft
Lovely touch by Jack. And wouldn't that be an amazing moment for a kid, getting picked up by a genuine legend for a lift to training?
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I couldn't agree more. I have a similar story. The lack of communication and the realisation that some very talented kids are used to highlight the bigger boys who the developers get their financial reward when drafted. A very toxic system sadly.
Yes, absolutely. I knew of players who at training were told to "not get the ball as much" so the better players could get the benefit of drills. Even in games, my lad would have a great quarter then be off or moved to a less relevant position which was OK at the time but in hindsight was for the "better players" benefit. They also regularly put best players in the paper that were no where near it.
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I couldn't agree more. I have a similar story. The lack of communication and the realisation that some very talented kids are used to highlight the bigger boys who the developers get their financial reward when drafted. A very toxic system sadly.
Yes, absolutely. I knew of players who at training were told to "not get the ball as much" so the better players could get the benefit of drills. Even in games, my lad would have a great quarter then be off or moved to a less relevant position which was OK at the time but in hindsight was for the "better players" benefit. They also regularly put best players in the paper that were no where near it.
Financial incentives huh? Might explain some of the complete dud draftees.
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Hugo Ralphsmith has bulked up – "Bigger body, bigger mullet," Hardwick said – and is being groomed as a potential replacement for Bachar Houli off half-back.
Source: AFL website. (https://www.afl.com.au/news/552420/yellow-and-black-sabbath-the-chopped-off-finger-showing-dimma-the-way)
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No Hugo this week at either level.
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Richmond is very bullish on Hugo Ralphsmith & he's been on the verge of an AFL debut in the early rounds. But the half-back/winger has been hit with a 2-match suspension (down to 1 if he takes the early guilty plea) from the VFL match review panel for striking over the weekend.
https://twitter.com/CalTwomey/status/1379377674309746688
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So a has bit of campaigner in him eh? Good... :shh
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Tigers’ reveal plan to find silver lining in huge injury blow
(https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/7f976c15f0744603da17453f607f2ee1)
Richmond says it can find a silver lining in Shane Edwards’ long-term injury with a new cult hero looming for a Round 9 debut.
Paywall: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-richmond-v-geelong-all-the-news-and-analysis-from-grand-final-rematch/news-story/0da5b35ff968c73e5e0636647060a645
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https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/935084/ralphsmith-to-debut?videoId=935084&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1620880200001
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Great. Love these moments when they ring the families.
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Dimma said Hugo will play forward and wing.
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How did we all see Hugo's debut?
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Went alright for his first game.
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Went alright. Looked better on the wing than up forward.
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Like most players looked good in space.
Worth another game next week.
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Went alright. Looked better on the wing than up forward.
Agree with this
Thought he reasonable
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I thought he looked a player myself.
Good size.
Was sitting behind a group of lads that must have been his school footy team or something, they were getting right into it haha.
Don't drop him until the top shelf blokes are ready.
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kid can play. Enjoyed his game
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Hugo's debut stats:
10 disposals ( 5k, 5h, 2c, 7u, eff. 50% )
2 tackles
1 inside 50
152 metres gained
2 intercepts
2 score involvements
1 behind
66% time on ground
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Got a bit of flair about him will get bet better in games.
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(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/06/04/09/34E8605E00000578-0-image-a-27_1465027558361.jpg)
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Wonder how many under 35 will get that post?
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Wonder how many under 35 will get that post?
I know I don’t....
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Wonder how many under 35 will get that post?
I did :rollin
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(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/06/04/09/34E8605E00000578-0-image-a-27_1465027558361.jpg)
LOL
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I’m 34 and I don’t get that post. Would love a breakdown!
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(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/06/04/09/34E8605E00000578-0-image-a-27_1465027558361.jpg)
You like DeBoy? The umpire?
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Okay now I get.
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I’m 34 and I don’t get that post. Would love a breakdown!
Bert said 'I like the boy' with respect to Ali, without realising that the African American population considers 'boy' to be a racial slur as white men frequently referred to black men as 'boy' to imply that they were inferior (no men, not equal etc).
Bert put his foot in it quite innocently.
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Peaked last week
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Inability to string two good games in a row seems to be club a wide thing this year... :shh
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Poor selection again. I didn’t mind his debut but I think Mansell offers more for us currently in defence allowing Vlastuin a run in the middle considering our midfield outs.
It also allows Houli to move onto a wing I think houli could be more valuable to us especially with his kicking if he were playing as an outside wingman.
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To hell with it. Kid looks a good get and i think if played in the right ROLE willl just keep on getting better. With a pile of better players around him with a lot less passengers he will definately be better.Just play him and FCUCK Houli off. In fact give him Houli's role where all he has to do is find a bit of space or run past for an easy recieve and run and deliver the bloody pill.He has already shown he won't play scared like Bachar and he is at least prepared to try and defend an opponent.
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To hell with it. Kid looks a good get and i think if played in the right ROLE willl just keep on getting better. With a pile of better players around him with a lot less passengers he will definately be better.Just play him and FCUCK Houli off. In fact give him Houli's role where all he has to do is find a bit of space or run past for an easy recieve and run and deliver the bloody pill.He has already shown he won't play scared like Bachar and he is at least prepared to try and defend an opponent.
Not saying Houlis in great form at the moment but this idea that his role is so easy to fill is just not true. Corey Ellis, Connor Menadue, Oleg Markov, Taylor Hunt, etc. etc.
You’re very big on numbers and disposals. You really reckon Hugo can grab more than the 10-15 disposals that you’ve been so critical of Kmac for avging?
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As old mate Bents said on BF - a less floggish version of Dursma... :shh
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With those 2 goals he may have taken George spot
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Reckon in time this kid might be the best of the bunch around his age group. Got some x-factor and looks like a big rig.
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Should stay in for dreamtime.
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Dimma post-game praised Hugo's game as "great".
17 disposals (10k, 7h, 6c, 12u, 76.5% eff.)
4 marks
2 tackles ( both inside F50 )
3 inside 50s
376m gained
5 intercepts
4 score involvements
1 goal
1 behind
78% time on ground
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Good game and a really good goal. Keep putting games into him
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Enjoyed his game. Looks to be a player as he gets to the right spots on the ground and can run. :clapping
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To hell with it. Kid looks a good get and i think if played in the right ROLE willl just keep on getting better. With a pile of better players around him with a lot less passengers he will definately be better.Just play him and FCUCK Houli off. In fact give him Houli's role where all he has to do is find a bit of space or run past for an easy recieve and run and deliver the bloody pill.He has already shown he won't play scared like Bachar and he is at least prepared to try and defend an opponent.
Not saying Houlis in great form at the moment but this idea that his role is so easy to fill is just not true. Corey Ellis, Connor Menadue, Oleg Markov, Taylor Hunt, etc. etc.
You’re very big on numbers and disposals. You really reckon Hugo can grab more than the 10-15 disposals that you’ve been so critical of Kmac for avging?
Lol yep im critical of the numbers McIntosh gets but im far more critical of his ball use which is usually just slam it on the foot in panic and constant fumbling fair dinkum in a lot of games you would think he put grease on his hands.
In time when he actually gets a bit of beef on his frame i think Ralphsmith will be a far better player than what McIntosh can only dream about.
Just my opinion but atm Hugo is not physically ready for the game at this level but here we are playing him and thats a good thing and he did okay this game.
Thompson Dow played on the wing and i was not having heart palpitations when he had ball in hand unlike when McIntosh has it.
Kid already looks a better player than McIntosh and he certainly looks far more polished.
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Happy 20th birthday, Hugo! (https://abs-0.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/1f973.png)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FDu_ErbUUAMMIBG?format=jpg&name=900x900)
https://twitter.com/Richmond_FC/status/1457969211955814405
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Wonderful hair
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Coaches' Corner: Summer Snippets - Hugo Ralphsmith
Richmond assistant coach, Adam Kingsley, provides an update on the development of Hugo Ralphsmith:
WATCH HERE: https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/1061240/coaches-corner-summer-snippets-hugo-ralphsmith?videoId=1061240&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1645228800001
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He was impressive today....
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What are your expectations for Hugo this year and what would be a good season for him?
Career stats:
Games Kicks Hballs Disposals Marks Tackles G.B In50 Re50
2021: 6 (1*) 4.5 3.7 8.2 1.2 0.8 3.2 1.6 0.8
* games as sub.
https://finalsiren.com/PlayerStats.asp?PlayerID=3088
https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pp-richmond-tigers--hugo-ralphsmith
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Here's the Club's expectations (Adam Kingsley):
“Our expectations around Hugo this year are to establish himself his position in the team, whether that’s half-back, whether it’s wing, or half-forward. He’s got to find his position and really hold on to it.
“The contest part of the game is Hugo’s room for improvement, and he’s certainly been working hard on that over the summer and improved significantly in that part of the game.
“His ability to run and carry and kick the ball and mark it is really impressive and they continue to stand out across the course of the pre-season . . .
“We see him as that half-forward/half-back type of player, possibly on the wing. And he was able to show a bit last year in those positions.
“So, we’re hoping that he continues to progress and establish his position in the team and is able to have a real impact for us this year.
“It’s his third year in the Club now, so we’re expecting him to take a step forward and start to build his career.”
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1069672/ralphsmith-running-into-fine-form
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This is the year for him to take the next step. Looking forward to seeing what he can become.
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No expectations from me.
Anything is a bonus.
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Going by preseason and what ive seen and heard id say he has done enough to warrant a game rnd 1.
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Kid can play...and should... :shh
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Hugo's game today:
20 disposals (15k, 5h, 5c, 15u, 80% eff.)
10 marks .............................................. most on the ground
4 inside 50s
4 intercepts
454 metres gained
2 score involvements
1 goal assist
1 free for
85% time on ground
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I think he’s very good. Very composed player and not a panic merchant. I like the way he goes about it and works his arse off to make himself an option. :clapping
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Hugo lacked the confidence to take the game on last night. At least a couple of times he found gaps and could have used his pace to run and bounce all the way inside 50 yet stopped and hesitated and the passage broke down via the final kick. Aside from the last preseason game in which he was very good, his kicking has been a bit off as well even at training with the final pass inside F50. Dimma even mentioned it on the RFC website. As an outside player you need to be able to hit leading targets as a given.
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Kicking was poor, decision making was poor.
He played like a puss
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We have multiple problems. Hugo is not one of them
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Hugo lacked the confidence to take the game on last night. At least a couple of times he found gaps and could have used his pace to run and bounce all the way inside 50 yet stopped and hesitated and the passage broke down via the final kick. Aside from the last preseason game in which he was very good, his kicking has been a bit off as well even at training with the final pass inside F50. Dimma even mentioned it on the RFC website. As an outside player you need to be able to hit leading targets as a given.
If our forwards would lead that would be a great start.
Lynch refuses to lead into space as does Dusty when he’s forward.
Jack does but was very lacklustre and slow last night.
I’m not sure what the directive is but we aren’t going to be successful up forward if our big men aren’t prepared to lead up.
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We have multiple problems. Hugo is not one of them
Agree
He will be fine
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I don’t see what others see in him. I don’t rate him at all right now. Has room to improve and I think he can but is certainly no world beater.
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Great to see Hugo finally back himself. Terrific game. Tore GWS to pieces with his line breaks.
19 disposals (7k, 12h, 6c, 13u, 89.5% eff.)
6 marks (1 contested)
4 inside 50s
4 intercepts
345 metres gained
2 score involvements
1 goal
85% time on ground.
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Love his run. Hope he continues to back himself in and use his pace.
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Another kid who keeps his spot. they have him at h/b but would like to see him on a wing which im sure he can play and play well.
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Another kid who keeps his spot. they have him at h/b but would like to see him on a wing which im sure he can play and play well.
So you want Broad and Ralphsmith on the wing
And Marlion therefore gets moved , why?
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The only reason to move Marlion is if Sammy Banks can get into the team he can go as a winger and Marlion can do more minutes in the guts.
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Another kid who keeps his spot. they have him at h/b but would like to see him on a wing which im sure he can play and play well.
So you want Broad and Ralphsmith on the wing
And Marlion therefore gets moved , why?
Thought that would be clear. I think we need to find a way to get games into kids like Miller and Stack Mansell Brown if possible.
We wont play all of Miller, Gibcus, Grimes, Tarrant and Broad down back. Thats one tall too many. The one to miss would be Miller but a simple positional change of Broad to a wing and Miller keeps his spot and we get games into a big kpd. Sometimes you have to look a bit further than next week.
Pickett can move inside look at his games to date this year he is playing more a mid type of game than a winger anyway.
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Saw someone has nicknamed him "The Label"
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The kids will get a shot with injuries throughout the year but I’m a believer in them being ready so you don’t kill confidence and them earning a spot. If they are good enough in whatever role they may keep their spot
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The kids will get a shot with injuries throughout the year but I’m a believer in them being ready so you don’t kill confidence and them earning a spot. If they are good enough in whatever role they may keep their spot
Lol it is not happening just look at the selections of Castagna Aarts, Parker. Lok at all the moves to new positions to enable favorites to continue to get games instead of playing a kid in his role.
I tell ya what we are quick to give a kid the arse who has a bad game but favorites can go for weeks with immunity.
Im interested in just a few things. Finding players who may replace the oldies and then finding ways to get games into them as a priority.
If people think we are going to be premiers this year then fine play all the oldies but that will come at a cost.
If we cannot win a flag then we need to target our biggest areas of weakness and areas of little depth and do something about it.
We aren't winning the flag and at seasons end the old boys will not be old but approaching ancient in footy terms. The trouble with that is there will be an ever bigger chasm between the vets and the youth as far as experience goes.
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The kids will get a shot if they are good enough, players will lose their spot if we keep losing or we get injuries ,especially with older players
What’s the rush ,
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The last time I seen run and carry like this was when Lids started to put his stamp on the game. It's a different type of run and carry to Houli.
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Kid can play...and should... :shh
...when he has the ball ....not so much when doesn't.... :shh :shh
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Kid can play...and should... :shh
...when he has the ball ....not so much when doesn't.... :shh :shh
Higgins might disagree haha
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Kid can play...and should... :shh
...when he has the ball ....not so much when doesn't.... :shh :shh
Higgins might disagree haha
Pretty sure that is the only tackle he has laid in three games. Plenty of work needs to be done on the defensive side of his game.
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Kid can play...and should... :shh
...when he has the ball ....not so much when doesn't.... :shh :shh
Higgins might disagree haha
Pretty sure that is the only tackle he has laid in three games. Plenty of work needs to be done on the defensive side of his game.
If he lays one tackle every three weeks and knocks a turd out I am fine with that.
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peeweak Hugo is back.... :shh
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Yeah poor tonight which is disappointing.
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He's what 19? I've got a fair bit of patience with Hugo.
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Kids are inconsistent as a rule, it’s part of the education
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peeweak Hugo is back.... :shh
The kid is 19yo and has a lot of talent.
Show some respect!
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Hugo Ralphsmith was subbed out of the game in the final term with sore ribs and will undergo scans.
Source: HeraldSun (https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl-2022-richmond-tigers-vs-adelaide-crows-tex-walker-damien-hardwick-press-conference-free-kicks-reaction-video/news-story/d84472156c47e586d51615bd67e0969a)
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19 or 29 the truth is he has a lot of work to do on the defensive side of the game and the physical stakes.thats fine as people say he is just 19 but he has to at least try to be better in these areas.
He is an outside player with good pace and good disposal the thing is we want him to have some hurt factor in the outside role to offset the lack of physicality and defense.It has not really happened yet.
I think he has laid just two tackles all year and he looks great when he runs with the ball but he sure as hell has a lot of work to do on the less attractive aspects of the game.
In saying all that if he is fit for next week then i would be playing him if he struggles then it would probably be time to look at giving him a rest and go back to the twos for a short bit to work on what clearly needs work.
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19 or 29 the truth is he has a lot of work to do on the defensive side of the game and the physical stakes.thats fine as people say he is just 19 but he has to at least try to be better in these areas.
He is an outside player with good pace and good disposal the thing is we want him to have some hurt factor in the outside role to offset the lack of physicality and defense.It has not really happened yet.
I think he has laid just two tackles all year and he looks great when he runs with the ball but he sure as hell has a lot of work to do on the less attractive aspects of the game.
In saying all that if he is fit for next week then i would be playing him if he struggles then it would probably be time to look at giving him a rest and go back to the twos for a short bit to work on what clearly needs work.
Huge difference between being 19 or 29!
Stay the journey..
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19 or 29 the truth is he has a lot of work to do on the defensive side of the game and the physical stakes.thats fine as people say he is just 19 but he has to at least try to be better in these areas.
He is an outside player with good pace and good disposal the thing is we want him to have some hurt factor in the outside role to offset the lack of physicality and defense.It has not really happened yet.
I think he has laid just two tackles all year and he looks great when he runs with the ball but he sure as hell has a lot of work to do on the less attractive aspects of the game.
In saying all that if he is fit for next week then i would be playing him if he struggles then it would probably be time to look at giving him a rest and go back to the twos for a short bit to work on what clearly needs work.
Good disposal?!
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Hugo to miss this week with that knock to the ribs.
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Hugo Ralphsmith sustained three cracked ribs from a McAdam gut-punch. No review. No citing. No fine. No suspension. Richmond is governed as a separate entity. @AFL
Go to 3 min mark: https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1112497/pilot-medical-update-round-7-2022
https://twitter.com/djlozza66/status/1519130668877623296
Hugo just unlucky from a footy collision or should've the Crows player been at least cited?
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Dashing Tigers defender Hugo Ralphsmith will return via the VFL this weekend after he recovered from breaking three ribs against Melbourne in round six.
Source: The Age (https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sport/afl/gawn-confirmed-starter-for-dees-tigers-welcome-back-premiership-pair-20220512-p5akn5.html)
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Recruiters picked up a beauty :cheers
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Great when out in the open.
Ordinary in tight
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B. Ellis with a mullet
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Great when out in the open.
Ordinary in tight
That’s what she said
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In his first senior appearance since cracking three ribs during the Round 5 clash with Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, Ralphsmith was a lively performer, playing predominantly up forward.
He finished the match with 15 disposals, five inside-50s, two goals, five score involvements and 328 metres gained in a display that underlined his substantial football potential.
Ralphsmith is averaging 15.3 disposals, 3.2 marks and 268.0 metres gained at AFL level this season.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1139524/ralphsmith-s-impressive-return
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Hugo on SEN earlier this arvo with Andy Maher and Andrew Gaze.
Listen here: https://player.whooshkaa.com/episode?id=1007250
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(https://resources.richmondfc.com.au/photo-resources/2022/07/11/1749c30a-dd0c-4283-b3ac-6d804832604c/DIG06_-AFL-Milestones_Hugo-Ralphsmith-Rising-star_Article-FB.png?width=952&height=592)
Hugo Ralphsmith has been named the Round 17 NAB Rising Star nominee.
The 20-year-old has played in a variety of roles across his short career, but has thrived playing as a dashing half-back flanker in recent times.
He once again impressed on the weekend, gathering a career-high 20 disposals, five score involvements, 430m gained whilst using the ball at 85 per cent efficiency.
After impressing with limited opportunities in an injury-interrupted draft year, the Tigers had seen enough of the youngster who had shown X-factor, speed and work rate in spades, and promptly recruited him at pick No.46 in the 2019 NAB AFL Draft from the Sandringham Dragons.
The Richmond faithful quickly bestowed cult-figure status on him in his short 17-game career, with his speed and flowing mullet making him easily identifiable to all.
He has been one of the key improvers on Richmond's list this season, averaging 15.2 disposals, 297m gained and taking 3.5 marks per game in his 11 outings in 2022.
Ralphsmith played six games last season after making his debut in Richmond's thrilling round nine four-point victory over Greater Western Sydney at Marvel Stadium.
In August last year he signed a two-year extension to ensure he remains at Punt Rd until at least 2023.
Ralphsmith is the first Richmond player to receive a NAB Rising Star Nomination since Shai Bolton back in 2019, also in Round 17.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1170344/ralphsmith-earns-round-17-rising-star-nomination
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First nomination in 3 years is a concern. You'd expect Gibcus to be next. What about Balta was he before Bolton?
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Hugo Ralphsmith chats to @AFLExchange after receiving the Round 17 Rising Star nomination.
Watch here: https://twitter.com/Richmond_FC/status/1546417320612220928
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First nomination in 3 years is a concern. You'd expect Gibcus to be next. What about Balta was he before Bolton?
Balta never got a RS nomination.
Since 2008 (Includes current Tigers):
2008
Round 12 – Trent Cotchin
Round 15 – Jack Riewoldt
2010
Round 10 – Dustin Martin
2011
Round 9 – Reece Conca
Round 16 – Jake Batchelor
2012
Round 3 – Dylan Grimes
Round 17 – Brandon Ellis
2013
Round 7 – Nick Vlastuin
2015
Round 1 – Kamdyn McIntosh
Round 22 – Ben Lennon
2016
Round 22 – Daniel Rioli
2017
Round 11 – Dan Butler
Round 19 – Jason Castagna
2018
Round 18 – Jack Higgins
2019
Round 10 – Liam Baker
Round 11 – Sydney Stack
Round 17 – Shai Bolton
2022
Round 17 - Hugo Ralphsmith
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/249785/history-of-richmond-rising-star-nominations
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Hugo interviewed by Julian De Stoop on SEN this arvo:
Listen here: https://player.whooshkaa.com/episode?id=1019966
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Are they running out of options? I didn't think he was amazing personally. Although I think he's OK and we should keep playing him.
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Has done absolutely nothing the last week and a half. If he produces that rubbish again in the second half, then dump his arse back to the VfL with Edwards.
Poor.
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Not a great game from him tonight
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Been hopeless and uncompetitive tonight.
Spectating
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Our forward are stuffed
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Overated for me we got better kids in the vfl.
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He is bordering on the call of a dud.
Rising star was a token award as he has been hopeless for a while now.
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Soft.
Also ...
Get a haircut.
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Id drop him hes been poor a fair while now.
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Been saying for weeks he should be dropped
Despite his Rising Star nomination after the GC, he was actually poor in that game
Was poor last week and tonight he was terrible
Pulled out of a contest in the last, stood back when he needed to attack contests and his kicking which is his strength was woeful
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FeYWZOnVIAAaU6U?format=jpg&name=large)
https://www.instagram.com/hugo.ralphsmith/
https://twitter.com/andrewtiger9/status/1577973346968313857
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Dont get the angst of supporters not wanting to let him go. Soft as butter outside players while you have to have a few of em are not going to win you games.
Just to tone it down of course he is a kid he has good upside and with a couple of seasons locked in a room with a cow will get to where he needs to physically. Thing is he will never be a game winner or the bloke who can drag his team mates up and over the line. There are some exquisite kicks of the footy with great pace out there with better skills than Hugo. Not as if there are no options to replace him Id say Brown and Banks are not currently that far behind him for a wing spot.
Finally believe it or not im not havng a go at him i like others like the potential but for me in the right circumstances he is very tradeable.
As always you usually have to give something decent up, in this case potential to get something decent in return.
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I wouldn’t be against trading him but if we’re giving them soldo and Hugo then I’d want more then just being able to keep our pick 31. If it were hopper + their third (think it’s around 44) for our FF, soldo and Hugo then I’d be all for it as we can replace the two outgoing players with the draft picks. Also GWS have more draft picks then they can possibly use even without the players we’d give them they just don’t have the list spots available with all the picks they have.
It’s a moot point though because Hugo doesn’t want to leave and fair play to him for it. As you say above he has areas of weakness but also upside. Happy to keep him.
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I wouldn’t be against trading him but if we’re giving them soldo and Hugo then I’d want more then just being able to keep our pick 31. If it were hopper + their third (think it’s around 44) for our FF, soldo and Hugo then I’d be all for it as we can replace the two outgoing players with the draft picks. Also GWS have more draft picks then they can possibly use even without the players we’d give them they just don’t have the list spots available with all the picks they have.
It’s a moot point though because Hugo doesn’t want to leave and fair play to him for it. As you say above he has areas of weakness but also upside. Happy to keep him.
The current rumours are
31, future first and Soldo for Hopper and 44
You are suggesting
FF, Soldo, Ralph for Hopper and 44
Thus valuing Ralph as 31
Seems about right .. but as you say , fair play that he wants to stay
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Don't see how GWS would want two players. They will have multiple draft picks this year so can fill their list numbers from the draft
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'It's like we haven't missed a beat' - Ralphsmith
Hugo Ralphsmith speaks with Richmond Media following the years one to four players return to training.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/1249796/-it-s-like-we-haven-t-missed-a-beat-ralphsmith
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After exciting Richmond fans in 2022, Ralphsmith said he was eyeing off a big pre-season.
"I'm just trying to have a really good pre-season this season, and then go into camp and then hit Round 1, and try and break into the team for Round 1 and play as many games as possible," he said.
"I think the half-back line is where but I've developed the most, but I also see myself as a wingman, but if I make the team wherever, that's where I'll play."
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1250805/ralphsmith-to-wear-father-s-no-13
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Never considered going to GWS. He first heard of it on Instagram. Flattered by Kingsley wanting him but Hugo said he's happy at Tigerland.
ps. Hugo is keeping the mullet. "Too far down the rabbit hole".
https://twitter.com/7NewsMelbourne/status/1598948553610579975
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Thought Hugo had a decent game going back playing that sweeper role. One of the few Tigers who kept his head under pressure and could actually find and hit targets.
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Thought Hugo had a decent game going back playing that sweeper role. One of the few Tigers who kept his head under pressure and could actually find and hit targets.
Your joking aren't ya. Soft as butter again.
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Lol,I too thought he was ok for a kid , he is in the side as an outside runner not an inside mid.
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Was average.
Did a couple of good things but a crucial one on one contest in the last he didn't put his body on the line. If he had of he would have won the ball.
Until he gets that out of his game he's going to cop criticism
And like so many tonight his disposal was poor
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Sleeps with the light on
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The Tiger who raced on Oscar Piastri’s team
By Peter Ryan
The Age
April 4, 2023 — 4.02pm
Playing in front of 85,000 at the MCG on Friday night and then heading to Albert Park on Saturday to watch one of your former schoolmates tear around the track in a Formula 1 car is not a bad 24 hours for a Melburnian.
That was how emerging Tiger Hugo Ralphsmith spent last weekend as he checked out his old Haileybury schoolmate and current McLaren driver Oscar Piastri in qualifying for his first F1 race in Australia, the day after Ralphsmith played his first senior match for Richmond this season.
Ralphsmith is in a unique position to assess Piastri’s rapid progress through the fiercely competitive sport. Not only did he attend classes with Piastri, he actually raced with the young driver during their primary school years.
The pair was on the same team racing human-powered vehicles in the Energy Breakthough series in 2013, testing their design skills and racing ability against those from other Victorian schools, in a 14-hour challenge in country Victoria.
Ralphsmith was as alert to Piastri’s ability as former F1 driver Mark Webber and McLaren CEO Zak Brown have been recently when he watched him hare off in the contraption they had designed as part of a subject focused on conserving energy. Ralphsmith told Snap Shot the vehicle was basically a “lie-down bike”, before praising Piastri.
“He was our best rider. He just did the turns and everything else better,” Ralphsmith said.
Which doesn’t say much for the rest of Haileybury’s team, because they could not get to the chequered flag first despite having Piastri – who also happens to be a Richmond supporter – and Ralphsmith – who has a fair set of wheels too – in the team. In fact, Ralphsmith won the grand final sprint last year.
Piastri left Haileybury in year nine to pursue his motorsport crew in the United Kingdom reducing Ralphsmith’s contact with him but since he hit Formula One he has been as interested as anyone in his progress.
On Sunday Piastri avoided trouble to finish eighth, earning points for the first time in just his third race.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/the-tiger-who-raced-on-oscar-piastri-s-team-20230404-p5cxul.html?js-chunk-not-found-refresh=true
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Player like Hugo and Jack Ross have little hope of success in our team. They aren’t established and know that they are the first ones dropped.
So, play your natural game at risk then become the first dropped when an “established “ player is ready to come back
Play your role and likely not do that to the coaches satisfaction because it doesn’t suit your natural strengths
Still get dropped.
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Thought he looked ok at times. Not a bad game and has improved his tackling technique this game an got away with a blatant trip in the goalsquare too.
I think he’s improving nicely.
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Hugo had his second-best output yesterday (20 disposals is his best).
19 disposals (10k, 9h, 4c, 15u, 84.2% eff.)
6 marks (1 contested mark)
4 tackles
1 clearance
3 inside 50s
376 metres gained
2 intercepts
7 score involvements
1 goal
1 behind
81% time on ground
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Was good I thought.
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Good game and should hold his spot
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Improved performance
But his strength is his long kicking. When he tries the dink short ones he is very poor
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Going to agree with others again. Thought he was servicable and i reckon Sonsie Clarke Cumberland and Hugo gave us needed pace.
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What a we seeing that I'm not ?.Bad skills and disposal.
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Terrible by foot tonight. Not good enough.
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Terrible by foot tonight. Not good enough.
Terrible game. Needlessly turned the ball over. Kicked into the man at the mark. Cost multiple goals.
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What mistake gws wanted him to.
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I don’t understand his role in the team?
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I don’t understand his role in the team?
Sweeping and long kicker off HB
Like Houli used to do and what Short used to do before they decided move into the middle
Dimma made an interesting c9mment about Balta 2nd guessing himself rather than playing his role.
Hugo is the same, 2nd guesses and then as a result turns it over. Aka makes shocking decisions
I think he is also one of those players that when those around are playing well he looks a good player and limitations are to a degree hidden. But when those around him are playing crap then his weaknesses stand out like a beacon
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WP I hate saying this about footballers as nearly always their courage is there for all to see , however I did see Hugo last night appear to shirk a contest which is not good in a young player
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WP I hate saying this about footballers as nearly always their courage is there for all to see , however I did see Hugo last night appear to shirk a contest which is not good in a young player
I don't remember this, not saying it didn't happen.
Hugo is lightly built, I'm not judging his worth by putting his body in the line, that's not his role. Sure has to go when he needs to but if he's gut running, getting big metres gained, creating goals with his skills and rebounding that's what we want to see from a Hugo type.
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When fit id rather find out what Brown has to offer and Banks for that matter.
The trouble is we talk up young players and when they don't reach expectations people refuse to see where they are at and even what we have.
He may become a decent afl player but at a guess id say that is all we have atm at best.
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Can’t kick.
If he wants to play AFL he needs to learn to kick.
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Did delist
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Young Richmond defender potentially “up for grabs”
A rival club “could have another look” at the 21-year-old.
Mitch Keating
zerohanger.com
JULY 19, 2023
Off-contract Richmond defender Hugo Ralphsmith is seen as a potentially gettable trade asset for rival clubs to consider this off-season.
Ralphsmith signed a two-year extension in 2021 as a teenager, having made his debut that season and notched up a further five games in the yellow and black as an exciting dasher out of defence.
The 21-year-old played 13 games last year and has featured in as many matches in 2023, however five have come as the tactical sub.
Ralphsmith was a target for GWS last year as the New South Wales side looked to broker a deal with Richmond over star midfielder Jacob Hopper, who had requested a move to Punt Road at the conclusion of 2022.
Negotiations between the two clubs were drawn out over the Giants' hopes for a better trade package, with both Ralphsmith and Tigers ruckman Ivan Soldo raised as targets for GWS in the trade talks.
Soldo went as far as meeting with the Giants, while the Tigers were quick to shut down any potential move that included Ralphsmith. The Tigers would eventually hand over their 2023 first-round selection and Pick 31, while picks 53 and 63 would land with the Tigers alongside Hopper.
Now off-contract, further clubs could come calling for Ralphsmith, as the East Brighton junior's contract nears its expiry.
Speaking on the Tradies Podcast, AFL reporter Mitch Cleary said Ralphsmith could be "up for grabs" as a potential trade target for rivals.
"Hugo Ralphsmith at Richmond, we thought he was going to be the next big thing off half-back or on the wing, was the sub on the weekend and been in and out of the side," Cleary said.
"The Giants had a look last year given the relationship he had with their new coach Adam Kinglsey. They were told pretty quickly there was nothing to see here. He's now out of contract this year.
"I think he's one up for grabs. Clearly, he hasn't re-signed, so he is. He's one for clubs to discover at the end of the year.
"Who knows, the Giants could have another look given the relationship he's got with their coach who has all of a sudden got his side humming."
https://www.zerohanger.com/young-richmond-defender-potentially-up-for-grabs-afl-trade-news-140032/
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(https://media.tenor.com/keNKEmtpR6AAAAAC/south-park.gif)
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Half eaten packet of twisties and a melted mars bar should get it done
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Half eaten packet of twisties and a melted mars bar should get it done
Yep.
I'll pack his bags for him.
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Half eaten packet of twisties and a melted mars bar should get it done
Chicken or cheese? :shh
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Half eaten packet of twisties and a melted mars bar should get it done
Chicken or cheese? :shh
Personally I prefer cheese by a long way
But if it gets a deal over the line, will cop chicken
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I'd even take an old packet of the short lived bbq flavour. :shh
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Standard size packet or one of those big party size packets they have these days :rollin
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Standard size packet or one of those big party size packets they have these days :rollin
Fun size like I pack my kids for lunch at school
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Standard size packet or one of those big party size packets they have these days :rollin
One of the little packets
You know the ones they have in the box of 20
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Standard size packet or one of those big party size packets they have these days :rollin
Fun size like I pack my kids for lunch at school
:lol :lol :lol
Beat me to it
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(https://www.newidea.com.au/media/126505/whoni-portrait-image-28.jpg?width=720¢er=0.0,0.0)
Where do we sign? :snidegrin
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Young Richmond defender potentially “up for grabs”
A rival club “could have another look” at the 21-year-old.
Mitch Keating
zerohanger.com
JULY 19, 2023
Off-contract Richmond defender Hugo Ralphsmith is seen as a potentially gettable trade asset for rival clubs to consider this off-season.
Ralphsmith signed a two-year extension in 2021 as a teenager, having made his debut that season and notched up a further five games in the yellow and black as an exciting dasher out of defence.
The 21-year-old played 13 games last year and has featured in as many matches in 2023, however five have come as the tactical sub.
Ralphsmith was a target for GWS last year as the New South Wales side looked to broker a deal with Richmond over star midfielder Jacob Hopper, who had requested a move to Punt Road at the conclusion of 2022.
Negotiations between the two clubs were drawn out over the Giants' hopes for a better trade package, with both Ralphsmith and Tigers ruckman Ivan Soldo raised as targets for GWS in the trade talks.
Soldo went as far as meeting with the Giants, while the Tigers were quick to shut down any potential move that included Ralphsmith. The Tigers would eventually hand over their 2023 first-round selection and Pick 31, while picks 53 and 63 would land with the Tigers alongside Hopper.
Now off-contract, further clubs could come calling for Ralphsmith, as the East Brighton junior's contract nears its expiry.
Speaking on the Tradies Podcast, AFL reporter Mitch Cleary said Ralphsmith could be "up for grabs" as a potential trade target for rivals.
"Hugo Ralphsmith at Richmond, we thought he was going to be the next big thing off half-back or on the wing, was the sub on the weekend and been in and out of the side," Cleary said.
"The Giants had a look last year given the relationship he had with their new coach Adam Kinglsey. They were told pretty quickly there was nothing to see here. He's now out of contract this year.
"I think he's one up for grabs. Clearly, he hasn't re-signed, so he is. He's one for clubs to discover at the end of the year.
"Who knows, the Giants could have another look given the relationship he's got with their coach who has all of a sudden got his side humming."
https://www.zerohanger.com/young-richmond-defender-potentially-up-for-grabs-afl-trade-news-140032/
A packet of cerispy creams atm if we are lucky.
I would have done Soldo, Ralphsmith and 31 for 34 and Hopper in a heart beat, even back then i said similar..
With Nank out it would just mean we continue to play Miller and Ryan in tandem. We would have our first rounder pick 8 atm and pick 26 not a lot of tigers talking about this. The clear question is we should we have done much better and not forsaken the draft.
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The Tigers continue to work on their list with dasher Hugo Ralphsmith about to sign a new deal.
https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/afl-trade-2023-all-the-latest-news-and-whispers-ahead-of-the-exchange-period/news-story/b11263851aa7e15f5c25ad4db534e5c7
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:shh
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"Dasher" a new word for soft useless dud? :facepalm
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:shh
The more duds we keep for you talk up the merrier. Though clearly we value pace above all else, so I'd be worried about more my own position if I were you... :shh :shh
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Must be a priority signing along with Mansell lol.
Sheesh I'd trade him for anything or delist him.
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:shh
The more duds we keep for you talk up the merrier. Though clearly we value pace above all else, so I'd be worried about more my own position if I were you... :shh :shh
:shh
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TIGER TO STAY
HUGO Ralphsmith is set to remain at Punt Road in 2024.
The 21-year-old has been forced to wait while the Tigers work through their contracts post-season, but the club is finalising a one-year extension.
Ralphsmith played nine games straight in the first half of the season but only added four more appearances after round 12, starting all four games as the sub.
The Haileybury College product has played 32 games since being selected at pick No. 46 in the 2019 AFL Draft.
– Josh Gabelich
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1051952/inside-trading-saints-move-progresses-talks-start-for-sun-freo-ups-ante-for-hawk
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In honour of this great news , we at OER, should have a dedicated date to all sleep with our lights on
-
Deadwood for me better get a kid from the vfl.
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Bottom dollar deal I hope
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In honour of this great news , we at OER, should have a dedicated date to all sleep with our lights on
:lol
Pay that.
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Last chance saloon
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Interesting it hasn't been announced
Waiting for the trade period to end?
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Re-signed along with mansell
https://www.instagram.com/p/CyW2VumP8f0/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
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Sigh
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Happy 22nd birthday to you, Hugo! :birthday
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F-cqeEvbwAAe-vD?format=jpg&name=900x900)
https://twitter.com/Richmond_FC/status/1722392294765265318
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Hugo's interview on RSN 927:
Hugo Ralphsmith says he's loving life under new coach Adem Yze at Tigerland.
The Richmond youngster joined RSN for a chat on Wednesday, with the AFL season fast-approaching.
LISTEN HERE: https://omny.fm/shows/breakfast-with-harf/hugo-ralphsmith-has-not-met-tom-brady-yet
----------------------------------------------------------------------
After an equal career-high 13 appearances in 2023, Ralphsmith is keen to spread his wings and cover multiple roles in Richmond's new system, likely finding some time further up the field under Yze.
While his traditional role at half-back will be where he continues to hone his skills, the 22-year-old is open to growing his game this year.
"I'll be more down at half-back with some wing and maybe even half-forward, that's the conversation we're having at the moment," he said.
"I guess we'll wait and see once games start coming up. I think I'll be playing down back but we're very fluid at the moment so we'll see what fits."
Reflecting on where the club sat in the years prior to their drought-breaking 2017 premiership, the Tigers defender said the sky is the limit for his side as they look to focus on the process at hand.
"Everyone's worried about the outcome and wants to win a premiership, but for us, it's more about the process," Ralphsmith said.
"If we play the right footy we can go anywhere. You look back to 2016, the Tigers weren't going too hot and then a year or two later they were the best team that anyone had seen in a while.
"You never really know where it can go, so we've got expectations of each other and that we can do the right thing."
Source: ZeroHanger (https://www.zerohanger.com/absolutely-dominated-richmond-draftee-a-shining-light-at-first-punt-road-pre-season-147055)
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Hugo's highest disposal game in his career tonight.
21 disposals (10k, 11h, 11c, 11u, 71.4%)
6 marks
2 tackles
4 clearances (1 centre clearance)
2 inside 50s
241 metres gained
4 intercepts
4 score involvements
1 goal assist
91% time on ground
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Was good Hugo. Think he must play ahead of KMac.
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meh...hopefully Saints are as easily fooled and give us overs for him ... :shh
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I thought he was solid myself
-
Not a fan but was pretty good tonight I thought.
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He was very good today . Better than many
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Are you people comparing him to his normal efforts or an actual AFL level effort? :shh
:shh :shh
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Was good. Only shirked a few contests which was good to see
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Was good. Only shirked a few contests which was good to see
I thought he was good tonight
And I can’t stand him as a player
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He ran all night and had a crack. Give him another game. Worse players last night other than Ralphy for a change.
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A senior player now. Takes McIntosh's spot from here onwards.
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A senior player now. Takes McIntosh's spot from here onwards.
If he plays like that each week I reckon you are right.
Question is will Pickett be playing for us after his court date? So HRS may take his place instead?!
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Just seems like he only has 1 gear and doesn’t look desperate enough to win the loose ball. It looks like he’s happy for the opposition to beat him to the loose ball and then make a tackle rather that the other way round.
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Thought he was alright/good.
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He plays one ok game in 4 years and everyone forgets how poo he is. He was dragged multiple times in the VFL last season for soft pathetic efforts. Expect that to continue
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He plays one ok game in 4 years and everyone forgets how poo he is. He was dragged multiple times in the VFL last season for soft pathetic efforts. Expect that to continue
He was picked to play last night and he performed pretty well.
Not sure what else you want, he can’t go back and change how he has played in the past.
If you’re going to criticise him when he plays poor, you can acknowledge when he has an ok game.
Keeps his spot based on that. If he’s crap next week he can be criticised and dropped then.
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Of course he keeps his stop after last nights performance. His best game for the club and hopefully plays out the year on the wing.
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The club made the right call to make K Mac the sub last night and prioritise Hugo .
Let’s face it , it’s now or never and Banks hasn’t stepped up yet .
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Hugo can’t kick.
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Was good. Only shirked a few contests which was good to see
Jeez don't set the bar too high..... ::)
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Give him a block of games on the wing instead of macca let's go from there.
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To be fair i thought he was decent. May have been his best game for us. Just know though he will revert back to norm soon enough.