from the AFL site......RICHMOND
Francis Jackson, recruitment managerDraft summary"It worked out well for us in terms of priority players. Given it's a rookie draft, and a number of players have been bypassed, we look at blokes we think have got AFL traits. Our basic goal was to pick blokes we think can play AFL footy, then we try to fill the list model given to us by Damien (Hardwick, Richmond coach). We have a number of players in each particular position, but primarily we're picking blokes who've got AFL traits and we think can step up."
Player commentsSelection No. 2 (pre-season draft): Dylan GrimesDOB: 16/07/91, Height: 192cm, Weight: 81kg
Recruited from: Hurstbridge/Northern Knights
"We think Dylan Grimes is a capable player, and were a bit surprised he was overlooked in the national draft. A really high-quality kid who's very competitive, with elite speed. His determination and competitive instincts are really high. He's been training with us for two weeks and he's slotted in really well."
Selection No. 7 (rookie draft) Robert HicksDOB: 10/09/91, Height: 176cm, Weight: 68kg
Recruited from: PEGS/Calder Cannons
"Robbie is very capable and very, very quick. He was selected to represent Australia in athletics and has run a 10.7 (second) 100m. He's got a bit of work to do on his body, but he played for Vic Metro against WA on the big ground at Subiaco and kicked four goals in three quarters. We think he's got some real AFL traits and his speed's really exciting."
Selection No. 23: Pat ContinDOB: 23/05/91, Height: 181cm, Weight: 81kg
Recruited from: Glenelg
"Pat came to notice playing in the U18 comp in Adelaide - he's a former basketballer who represented South Australia at national level. He's got really good awareness and is an excellent decision-maker and football user. He's from Millicent, and relocated up to Adelaide to play for Glenelg in their premiership this year."
Selection No. 38: Relton RobertsDOB: 23/05/91, Height: 176cm, Weight: 78kg
Recruited from: Katherine, Wanderers-NTFL, NT Thunder-QAFL
"Relton Roberts is a special talent - I think if people look at his highlights tape, they'll realise how much ability he has. I actually saw him when I went up to watch Liam Jurrah in Darwin. Relton stood out as someone who had exceptional skills and as a really capable goalkicker. He's a little bit older, but has been down training with us, and he's very, very gifted. We need to work on his fitness a tad, but we can deal with that."
Selection No. 51: Nicholas WesthoffDOB: 11/05/91, Height: 198cm, Weight: 78kg
Recruited from: West Adelaide
"We were keen to try and pick a tall player who had AFL traits. Again, he's an elite basketballer who has represented South Australia at national level, and this was his first year playing for West Adelaide in the U18 competition. He hadn't played footy for seven years prior to this year, but we think he's got terrific speed for 189cm. He had a really good year, kicking 39 goals and playing a few reserves games. We think if we can get some bulk on him he could be a really capable player."
Selection No. 62: Graham PolakDOB: 16/06/84, Height: 194cm, Weight: 94kg
Recruited from: Richmond
"It's terrific that Graham has come from where he has and has continually taken positive steps. We all know of his capabilities, and we think that he's just continued to improve with small steps. We know Polly well and admire the way that he's bounced back from adversity. His determination to succeed is terrific."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/88159/default.aspx
