Who is Richmond's best draft bargain of the modern era? (Fox)

[one-eyed]

Every AFL club’s best draft bargains of the modern era

April 30, 2020
Ben Waterworth
FOX SPORTS

And as these results clearly show, some clubs have used the bottom-end of the draft much more effectively than others.

Foxfooty.com.au analyses every club’s best draft bargains since 2000. (Note: players taken before Pick 40 in a national draft weren’t considered.)


RICHMOND

The Tigers’ recent premiership sides have been littered with bargain buys – but none bigger than key defender Dylan Grimes (Pre-season Pick 2, 2009). An All-Australian and dual premiership Tiger, Grimes has become one of the best tall backmen in the game. He filled in for the injured Alex Rance as an intercepting defender superbly last season. Kane Lambert (Rookie Pick 46, 2014) has been in All-Australian contention in recent years, while Jayden Short (Rookie Pick 11, 2014) and Jason Castagna (Rookie Pick 29, 2014) are now mainstays of the Tigers’ best 22. Prior to that quartet, the Tigers picked up Chris Newman (Pick 55, 2000), who’d captain the club for four years and finish his career with 268 games. Nathan Foley (Rookie Pick 4, 2003) was also a handy pick-up, finishing with 154 games.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-draft-bargains-best-afl-late-draft-rookie-selections-sydney-swans-western-bulldogs-west-coast-eagles/news-story/5e60f96095ea46767e14cc6ba5ba684e

[one-eyed]

Your AFL club's best value draft finds of the 21st century

Andrew Slevison
SEN
20 May 2020

RICHMOND

Chris Newman

Pick 55, National Draft 2000

Two decades previous to now, Richmond would use pick 55 on Chris Newman. He didn’t become a first-choice Tiger until 2003 but from then on he was a cherished favourite. Many revere his leadership so much so that they feel he left a legacy strong enough to help inspire the drought-breaking 2017 premiership. Captained the club for four years and played 268 games.

Dylan Grimes

Pick 2, Pre-Season Draft 2010

The Rookie Draft has been a happy hunting ground for the Tigers, particularly in recent years when you think about the success of players such as Kane Lambert, Jason Castagna and Jayden Short. But one of their best value selections came in the 2010 Pre-Season Draft in the form of Grimes. It took a while for him to get going (five seasons to get past 30 games) but he has now become one of the top few defenders in the competition. A two-time premiership player and All-Australian, similar to Bachar Houli who was taken in the 2011 Pre-Season Draft after being discarded by Essendon. Both brilliant pieces of recruiting by the Tiges.

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2020/05/20/your-afl-clubs-best-value-draft-finds-of-the-21st-century/

[Andyy]

Grimes clearly, but heck even Rance at 18 and Dusty at 3 are bargains.

They should have gone in the negatives they're that good.