Tigers nominate Kayle Kirby as a category B rookieCallum Twomey, AFL Media
September 5, 2016 3:45 PM
RICHMOND will have first access to exciting goalkicker Kayle Kirby as part of its next generation academy if the Bendigo Pioneers product does not get selected in November's national or rookie drafts.
Kirby played for Vic Country at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and recently kicked five goals for Richmond's VFL side on debut at the level. He followed it with four goals the following week.
The Tigers have nominated the 18-year-old as one of five players they will be able to automatically list as category B rookies under the new indigenous and multicultural academies.
The AFL has approved the full list of 33 players and circulated it to clubs last week. Under the newly formed rules, clubs will be able to list the players as category B rookies if the prospects are overlooked at the national and rookie drafts.
The club will need to lodge relevant paperwork immediately after the rookie draft on November 28 to secure the multicultural or indigenous talent.
If the relevant club does not choose to take the player as a category B rookie, or if they are an AFL nomination and are not selected in the rookie or national drafts, then any club can list the player as a category B pick.
However, the player has to give his consent before it is confirmed in that case.
The Tigers will also have access to emerging ruckman Esava Ratugolea, who has a Fijian background, should he not be drafted and have also nominated indigenous prospect Jy Simpkin
Full article:
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2016-09-05/tigers-eyeing-off-kayle-kirby-as-a-category-b-rookie