Rookie watch: Who's burning and who's still learningNathan Schmook
afl.com.au
5 July 2017RICHMONDThe Tigers backed most of their 2016 rookies in for another season in 2017 and have found players worth investing in. After trying mature-age rookies with mixed success, their strategy now is to recruit promising young players who have missed the draft and develop them. Chol and Soldo have been project players. All should be retained, either as senior-listed or rookie players, in 2018.
Jason CastagnaLooks set for promotion to the senior list after becoming a mainstay in 2017, playing every game as a pressure small forward. Third year on the rookie list, so must be promoted or go through the NAB AFL Draft.
Mabior CholThe second-year rookie has shown glimpses of his talent but is not performing consistently enough to demand promotion or senior selection. The Tigers have invested in the exciting tall and it is unlikely they would give up on him now.
Callum MooreAn ankle injury has interrupted the versatile tall's second year on the rookie list. Used both forward and in defence this year, sometimes during the same game, the 20-year-old hasn't had a chance to stamp his credentials and would hope to in the next two months.
Ivan SoldoA project ruckman who has shown great progress while learning the game in his three seasons. Acquitted himself well when called on to make his debut in round seven, he now looks like an AFL player if the Tigers promote him as their back-up ruckman in 2018.
Tyson Stengle The only addition to Richmond's rookie list this year, Stengle has excited the Tigers and is a real find. A natural footballer, he made his debut against Port Adelaide with two goals in round 15 and is certainly worth retaining if not promoting in 2018. – Nathan Schmook
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-07-05/rookie-watch-whos-burning-and-whos-still-learning
