Richmond father-son prospect Patrick Naish gets perfect preparation for Tiger stintNovember 8, 2017 12:14pm
Riley Beveridge
FOX SPORTSRICHMOND’S rise from an embattled club on the verge of sacking its coach to remarkable premiership heroes — all in the space of just 12 months — understandably shocked many.
But not Patrick Naish.
The club’s first father-son prospect since Tom Roach back in 2003, Naish was given an incredible inside look at Richmond’s preparations for both campaigns.
Invited to spend a fortnight doing pre-season training with the Tigers ahead of both their 2016 and 2017 seasons, the change in attitude was the most noticeable difference to the teenager.
There was more energy and more belief within the group in 2017, making the experience of training with his boyhood idols all the more enjoyable for Naish.
But perhaps nothing will be more memorable for the classy youngster than his Grand Final day.
Not only did Naish get to fulfil a dream of his since he could first remember — sit at the MCG and watch the Tigers lift the premiership — he also got to play on the hallowed turf.
Featuring in the Under 18s All-Stars game that acted as the curtain raiser to Richmond’s clash with Adelaide, Naish could hardly believe the stars had aligned in such a manner.
However, in terms of the Tigers actually going all the way, that was less of a shock.
“There was a massive change from last year to this year,” Naish tells foxfooty.com.au.
“Culturally, everyone wanted to do it for each other. That’s what I got out of both. There was a better vibe about it. Everyone was excited and wanted to leave no stone unturned.
“There were a lot more younger boys and everyone was keen to get out there and have a crack.”
Numbers courtesy of Champion Data.Source: FOX SPORTSNaish is now set to find his way into that squad. For real, this time.
A highly-rated and versatile prospect, the Northern Knights youngster has enjoyed a consistent season that has elevated him into first-round contention ahead of the draft.
It’s perhaps not what Richmond wanted to hear. The extra attention on Naish is likely to force the Tigers into matching an earlier bid on the midfielder than they once might have imagined.
However, having officially lodged AFL paperwork in order to allow themselves first access to Naish as a father-son last week, Richmond looks almost certain to do so anyway.
Despite keeping its cards close to its chest on Naish, the club’s hand was also made more clear during the trade period. A late pick swap deal with the Lions means they now enter the draft with Picks 17, 20 and 25 — giving the Tigers more draft points in order to match a bid.
And should it happen, Naish would be understandably delighted.
“It would be the best thing ever,” he says.
“It’s my dream and it’s what I’ve dreamt of since I was a little kid. It’s something I love doing. It would mean the world to me. I just want to get that opportunity.”
The spotlight was always going to be fixed firmly on Naish this season. It often is with father-son prospects, particularly those at clubs who have not had many in recent years.
It makes the way the athletic youngster has performed in 2017 all the more admirable.
Predominantly a wingman, he averaged 19 disposals in the TAC Cup this season. He also had an impact forward of centre, kicking 13 goals from eight matches with the Knights.
But it was in the national championships where Naish first made his mark.
Playing in a loose role both through the midfield and across half back, he was selected in the carnival’s All-Australian side having averaged 21.8 disposals per game.
According to Champion Data, he also led the competition for metres gained. Given his efficient use of the footy, such an ability to move the ball effectively is a huge tick for recruiters.
However, just as pleasing for Northern Knights talent manager Rhy Gieschen was the way in which Naish evolved as a leader around the club — both on and off the field.
“Whenever he’s in at the club, he’s really well liked and popular,” Gieschen tells foxfooty.com.au.
“He’s really energetic around the group. He’s always got a smile on his face and he’s always the first one to offer his opinion in team meetings.
“His attitude around us, the way he conducts himself and the way he brought the group together, it was really good.”
Naish’s father, Chris, played 143 games for Richmond throughout the 1990s.
Although he wasn’t alive throughout his Tigers career, Naish was around for his dad’s final season at Port Adelaide — where he played 18 games across two years.
The only footy Naish can remember of his father is a couple of highlights clips on YouTube.
His description of those? “He was alright.”
Rather than base his game around his dad’s, Naish prefers to heed his words of wisdom.
“He’s helped me a lot on-field, but off-field he’s helped me a fair bit with being organised and being professional,” Naish says.
“Last year I prepared mentally for this season. I just tried to control what I could control. That’s some advice that dad has given me.
“It’s how to perform each week and it’s the way I’ve gone about it. All of the external stuff is going to be there. But I’ve just controlled what I can control.”
It’s now a nervous wait for Naish.
He’ll not only have to endure the gruelling period before his name is called, but he’ll then have to deal with the agonising two-minute wait to find out if Richmond matches the bid.
It’s bound to throw up a heap of emotions for the youngster.
“The bidding system still keeps you on your toes,” Naish says.
“But obviously I want to go to Richmond. Until my name gets read out, it’s not a sure thing.
“I’m just looking forward to that night and hopefully when it happens.”
PATRICK NAISHClubs: Northern/Vic Metro
Position: Midfield
Size: 180cm, 69kg
Draft Range: 10-20
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-draft-2017-richmond-fatherson-prospect-patrick-naish-gets-perfect-preparation-for-tiger-stint/news-story/78e3e161bbbe48d2f2a3037a4ef9e1c5
