Richmond's new draftees can make senior impression from round one in 2013 Jon Ralph
From: Herald Sun
November 26, 2013 6:53PMRICHMOND has told its trio of attacking recruits there are Round 1 senior spots up for grabs next year.
The Tigers last week lured two mature-aged recruits Sam Lloyd and Nathan Gordon and a star junior Ben Lennon to bolster their forward line.
The trio arrived at Punt Road yesterday aware that 2013 finalists Richmond have selected them with the intention of playing them early and often.
While they vary slightly in playing styles, all three are mid-sized forwards with great hands and an eye for goal.
Richmond football boss Dan Richardson said yesterday there would be real selection pressure in the forward line.
Carlton recruit Shaun Hampson can also play forward, with former Adelaide forward Chris Knights to return from knee surgery next year.
""We're excited about what Ben, Nathan and Sam can bring to the group," Richardson said.
"The most pleasing thing to come out of the national draft was that we brought in three players who are ready to play, when required. And they can each play in a number of positions, which will help their cause.
"They all possess different attributes and skill sets, which will give each of them the best opportunity to make an impact. There's no reason why they can't push for a spot in the senior team early in 2014, if they put in a solid pre-season."
While Lloyd came to AFL football after 110 goals for the Deniliquin Rams then VFL football at Frankston, fellow 23-year-old Gordon knows football is a brutal beast.
He was an emergency nine times in Sydney's premiership year of 2012 and has two AFL games from 2011, but was cut just four days after the premiership triumph.
He went to SANFL club North Adelaide and kicked 33 goals despite only starting as a forward midyear.
He broke his hand early in the Grand Final loss to Norwood, but while he still bears that scar his 55-metre goal on the half-time siren convinced recruiters of his talent.
"I was emergency nine times (in 2012) and I was always really close but not close enough to play. I was always on the brink and that's what I want to change, I want to play some footy for Richmond,'' Gordon said.
"You do think your (AFL dream) is over because it all happens so quick. We celebrated with the (senior players) after the Grand Final and the got delisted on the Wednesday. It his you pretty fast, but you soon look to your next step
"I can play half forward or midfield. I can play both those roles. I am a reasonably good contested mark for my size, so I can take someone deep and use that strength or use my endurance up the ground."
Richmond draftees (from left) Sam Lloyd, Ben Lennon and Nathan Gordon get a feel for the yellow and black. Picture: Colleen Petch News Limitedhttp://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/richmonds-new-draftees-can-make-senior-impression-from-round-one-in-2013/story-fndv8t7m-1226768993981
