Jay Clark, HeraldSun
November 16, 2010 9:45pm
RICHMOND could be forced into a last-minute draft change as the Brisbane Lions seem likely to swoop on the club's preferred midfield target.
The Tigers want Ryan Griffen-like line-breaker Jared Polec at pick No. 6 in the AFL national draft.
However, in a late change of heart, Brisbane is set to steal the Tigers' thunder by grabbing Polec at No. 5, instead of the man the Lions were strongly linked to, half-back Dyson Heppell.
And, rather than take Heppell in a straight swap, it is understood Richmond will pull its own surprise and grab nippy West Australian midfielder Reece Conca.
It was thought Conca would be picked by Fremantle somewhere in the teen calls, possibly as late as selection No. 20.But Conca's versatility and efficiency by foot, a top priority for Richmond, has propelled the strong-bodied playmaker up the order.
It means smooth-moving Heppell, whose left foot has been likened to that of Luke Hodge, could slide as far as Adelaide at pick No.14, or Geelong at 15.
In another shock, Melbourne could secure its dream draft result and get the key big man it craves.It is believed Gold Coast will let through either ruckman Daniel Gorringe or key forward Tom Lynch to the Dees at pick No. 12.
Melbourne has a glittering young midfield, but needs to bolster its spine.
Instead of taking both key-position players, the Suns are sizing up midfielders Josh Caddy and Dion Prestia, and backman Seb Tape among picks seven, nine, 10 and 11.
Essendon is poised to get its man, speedy inside midfielder Shaun Atley.
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/brisbane-lions-to-snatch-richmond-target-jared-polec/news-story/b43d3cd3bf64827dfb3c03b4ab7b275cFJ, you've done it again!
