Video of one of our recruiters Richard Taylor discussing the draft:http://www.richmondfc.com.au/roarvisionarchive/tabid/11454/contentid/405218/default.aspx#playvideo * We got our first or second option at each of our picks so we're happy with the 3 guys we have selected and believe they will make significant contributions for the club.
* Ellis - Really excited about Brandon. He ticked the 3 pillars we look for - (i) competes, (ii) good kick/decision making, (iii) outstanding character. Top 10% in all three categories. Bullet-proof selection who'll play early on for us. He's driven, an outstanding kick and super tough. Can't see any reason why he won't play a lot of footy for us.
* Elton - was talked about as a top 5 pick three months ago but his U18 carnival was mediocre and his year was up and down so he slipped down the pecking order. He's 197cm, quick, clean, competitive. Can play deep forward, deep back and also relieve in the ruck. Guys like that don't grow on trees at pick 26.
* Arnot - will become a club favourite. Competitive as they come. Smashes in like the coach did and will hurt blokes when he tackles them. A coach favourite. But he has skill to go with it. We were looking for an inside midfielder which we didn't get with our early picks. A driven kid. Like Brandon will do everything he can to make it.
* 'Needs' get overplayed a bit. Richard discussed the 3 pillars again and if a kid has them then we are strong chance to take them. We did discuss 'need' with our last pick so we took a little bit longer as you know. Discussed type vs type, got the coach involved and discussed what is the best option.
* A mad couple of days getting passports before Tuesday if they don't have one. The overseas trip is great timing as the new guys get to spend time with the whole group and a chance to get to know their teammates and the coaches and feel straight away part of the club.
* 3-4 kids who we thought would get drafted didn't so we'll sit down tomorrow and discuss a strategy and order for the rookie draft before we take off on Monday.
