Richmond poised to upgrade GWS Giants reject Anthony Miles from rookie list Jay Clark
From: Herald Sun
February 21, 2014 RICHMOND bolter Anthony Miles has surged into the Tigers’ Round 1 calculations only months after being cut from Greater Western Sydney.
In what looks to be another recycling success story for the Tigers, Miles, 22, is on track to secure one of the Tigers’ two available rookie upgrade spots after an impressive pre-season.
The Tigers are on the lookout for another strong-bodied onballer to help fill the void left by the retirement of veteran midfielder Shane Tuck.
Miles was a standout against Melbourne last Friday, gathering a team-high eight clearances and 11 contested possessions, but will face a tougher test against a superstar Collingwood midfield in Wangaratta tomorrow.
Tigers spearhead Jack Riewoldt will miss again with quad soreness, while Ivan Maric (ankle), Daniel Jackson (groin) and Dylan Grimes (hamstring) will also sit out in their bids to be fit for Round 1 against Gold Coast.
Midfielder Reece Conca (hamstring) and forward Chris Knights (knee) have been named to make their comebacks from injury in Richmond’s second NAB Challenge hit-out.
Miles was de-listed from the lowly Giants after managing 10 games in two seasons, including only three last year.
Richmond star Brett Deledio said Miles was an anonymous figure when he arrived at Punt Rd last summer, admitting he “didn’t even know who he (Miles) was up there (at GWS)”.
But the Giants’ reject’s summer form has catapulted him into the senior frame, with coach Damien Hardwick endorsing the tough nut’s senior claims after his first hit-out.
“We really like the way he plays,” Hardwick said.
“He’s hard and wins a lot of contested ball. He’s always had no issues with finding the ball, even through his junior career.
“We’ve got the opportunity to upgrade two rookies and he’s certainly thrown his hat into the ring.
“He’s got some areas that he needs to work on, and he knows those. But we’re pleased with what his output is thus far.”
http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-poised-to-upgrade-gws-giants-reject-anthony-miles-from-rookie-list/story-fndv8t7m-1226833143972
