2019 Draft crop assessed ahead of Marsh SeriesBy Sarah Black
AFL Media
27 February 2020Ahead of Richmond's first Marsh Series game this Sunday, AFL Media takes a look at how the players from the class of 2020 are tracking.
Thomson Dow (NAB AFL Draft, No.21 overall)Missed the intraclub with illness, but his strong running ability has helped him in his first pre-season. Looks likely to start in the midfield in the VFL and has impressed with his gym work despite his slight frame.
Noah Cumberland (NAB AFL Draft, No.43 overall)The "larrikin" of the Richmond draftees, Cumberland is coming off nearly four years' work as a stonemason, having left school early. Still learning the Richmond way to play football, the highly competitive forward was held back early this pre-season with some soreness.
Will Martyn (NAB AFL Draft, No.44 overall)Possibly the polar opposite to Cumberland in personality, Martyn has been described as a student of the game. Played midfield during the club's intraclub and his running ability will help his development over the next year.
Hugo Ralphsmith (NAB AFL Draft, No.46 overall)Having come through the Victorian talent pathway, Ralphsmith has rarely, if ever, played against men, meaning Richmond's intraclub was a step up for the youngster. Has impressed with his ball use and endurance, with the club eying a running half-back, Isaac Smith-type role in the future.
Bigoa Nyuon (NAB AFL Draft, No.54 overall)Had the tough job of matching up against Tom Lynch in the recent intraclub, but settled as the game went on. Will need to put on size, but the club is bullish the defender will be tough to stop in the air as his timing improves.
Who plays in round one? It's a tough ask to break through into a premiership side, and the club's draft selections were made with an eye to the future. The club's first selection in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft, Riley Collier-Dawkins, is more likely to make his debut than the above five players.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/569206/draft-crop-assessed-ahead-of-marsh-series
