Morris to train with Richmond Reece Homfray
From: The Advertiser
August 30, 2011 WEST Adelaide defender Steven Morris could become the SANFL's latest mature-age AFL draftee after being granted permission to train as a father/son prospect with Richmond today.
On the back of overnight SANFL success stories Paul Puopolo (Hawthorn), Nick Duigan (Carlton) and Nick Lower (Fremantle), Morris has flown to Melbourne and will train with the Tigers at Punt Road.
The 22-year-old is the son of Kevin Morris who played 110 games with Richmond in the 1970s.
Morris Snr also played 71 VFL games with Collingwood but not enough to qualify Steven as a father/son selection at the Magpies.
At 185cm and 84kg Morris is a no-frills, hard-at-it defender who has had an outstanding season under coach, triple Hawthorn premiership player Andy Collins.
Richmond head of football Craig Cameron said it was too early for the club to comment on Morris until they had seen him this week.
West Adelaide is just half-a-game outside the SANFL's top five with two games remaining and football operations manager Scott Turner said the club had no issue with Morris training with Richmond this week.
``We've been fully involved with Richmond and he won't miss any of our training,'' Turner said.
``He has been outstanding and deserves every opportunity he gets but he hasn't been promised anything, just like any young player.
``But he's incredibly professional and we hope he does get an opportunity.''
Morris was recruited from TAC Cup team the Western Jets and made his SANFL debut in 2008.
He has since played 55 league games after recovering from a knee reconstruction in 2009.
This year has been by far Morris' breakout season which has him vying for Team of the Year honours.
Richmond has until October 7 to declare whether it will use a draft selection in a bid to secure Morris under the AFL's father/son rule.
Other father/son prospects granted permission to train with AFL clubs:
Geelong - Jed Bews, son of Andrew Bews (207 games).
Port Adelaide - Tom Schwarz, son of Peter Schwarz (270 games with Woodville-West Torrens).
Carlton - Dylan Buckley, son of Jim Buckley (164 games).
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/morris-to-train-with-richmond/story-e6freckc-1226124712769
