Clubs set to poach more northern academy talentDan Batten
Herald Sun
11 December 2019Richmond recruiting manager Matthew Clarke believes talent will continue to be poached from the improving northern academies.
The Tigers plucked Lions academy duo Noah Cumberland and Will Martyn with successive picks in the third round of last month’s National Draft with Brisbane opting not to match the bids.
Brisbane had previously matched Essendon’s bid on fellow Lions academy product Keidean Coleman six picks before the Tigers’ two selections.
“The academies have worked and it is spilling out the talent, it’s great for us,” Clarke said on the Talking Tigers podcast.
“In previous years, before the academies, they sort of played in division two and weren’t attractive to watch, but their footy is really good to watch now – both New South Wales and Queensland.
“Realistically if they produce ten really good players a year they can’t take them all anyway so there are opportunities for other clubs if you’ve done the work.”
Clarke said he was “surprised” the Tigers landed both Cumberland (Pick No. 43) and Martyn (No. 44) without the Lions matching. The pair got a taste of senior footy in the NEAFL and were part of Brisbane’s premiership triumph.
Cumberland had spent time out of the elite pathway over the past two years but stepped back into the Lions academy this season.
“We were a little surprised that he got through,” Clarke said.
“(Cumberland has) pace, real power and leg speed so he plays mainly as a forward and a little bit on-ball, but he’s physically tough and smashes in.
“He likes to grab the ball and go with it.”
His teammate Will Martyn captained the Lions academy side and Clarke was full of praise for the youngster.
“He’s probably one of the more professional kids you will ever come across in terms of working on his game, rehab and diet.
“He can play multiple roles, he’s a really good runner, uses the ball both sides, he’s got good hands.”
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
