Richmond father-son Patrick Naish stars against Allies in U18 ChampionshipsJuly 6, 2017
Riley Beveridge
FOX SPORTSRICHMOND father-son prospect Patrick Naish stole the show as Vic Metro claimed back-to-back national under 18s championships titles on Wednesday.
Playing predominantly across half back, Naish continued his fine carnival with 26 disposals and five tackles in the competition’s final match to further build his standing as a potential first-round pick ahead of this year’s draft.
Hoping to become Richmond’s seventh father-son selection — and its first since Tom Roach in 2003 — Naish showed plenty of promise at Kardinia Park.
The son of Chris Naish, who played 143 games for Richmond and 18 for Port Adelaide throughout the 1990s, Patrick was prolific and clean by foot.
The Northern Knights youngster was tested in the midfield at times and relished the additional on-ball minutes — a good sign for Richmond recruiters.
The Tigers are well placed to match a bid for Naish at season’s end, given they presently hold two first-round selections — their own (currently Pick 15) and Geelong’s (currently Pick 16), which was given to the club by GWS in a trade for veteran utility Brett Deledio last year.
Naish’s performance came despite Vic Metro being upset by the previously winless Allies, who stormed home to win by three points in a dramatic clash.
Patrick Naish playing for Vic Metro. Picture: Stephen HarmanSource: News Corp Australiahttps://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/patrick-naish-gives-richmond-fans-something-to-look-forward-to-as-vic-metro-claims-u18s-title/news-story/642e3869b518c0f432ea9eefeca4209fPatrick Naish shone brightly for Vic Metro as rain fell at Simonds Stadium. Picture: AFL Photoshttp://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-07-05/u18-top-prospect-brander-leads-allies-to-thrilling-upset