Tigers take Vlastuinrichmondfc.com.au
Thu 22 Nov, 2012Richmond has chosen powerfully-built Northern Knights midfielder/half-back, Nick Vlastuin, with its first pick (No. 9 overall) in the 2012 AFL National Draft, held tonight at the Gold Coast Convention Centre.
Vlastuin, 187cm and 86kg, was a member of the AIS-AFL Academy program in 2011-2012. He also captained the Victoria Metro team, which won this year’s National under-18 Championships, subsequently earning All-Australian selection, as a defender, following his impressive efforts.
It is expected that the 18-year-old eventually will establish himself as an inside midfielder with the Tigers, given his overall skills set and the fact he thrives on the physical side of the game.
He possesses an exemplary attitude as well, and is rated one of the best leaders to have gone through the Vic Metro program in recent years.
“Nick displays the qualities so highly valued by the Richmond Football Club and coach Damien Hardwick’s player model - a fierce competitor, strong leader, and ability to win the one-on-one battles,” said Richmond Recruiting Manager, Francis Jackson.
“He averaged 17 disposals across half-back in the National under-18 Championships and led his men by example with some fierce tackling and intercept marking.
“Significantly, Nick played some of his best football while representing the AIS-AFL Australian team in their Academy games against the bigger bodies of the Geelong and Box Hill VFL sides over the past two years.
“Nick has all the tools to have a strong impact on our list - super competitor, strong tackling, safe marking, and powerful kicking.”
Vlastuin has been likened to determined Tiger defender, Steven Morris, in terms of his ferocious attack on the football.
In his own words: “I love the contested side of the game, the contest, the stoppages and all the body-on-body stuff. It’s what I’ve always loved the most. I can’t wait to see what it’s like (at AFL level).”
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/6301/newsid/151545/default.aspx
