Hugo Ralphsmith has been named the Round 17 NAB Rising Star nominee.
The 20-year-old has played in a variety of roles across his short career, but has thrived playing as a dashing half-back flanker in recent times.
He once again impressed on the weekend, gathering a career-high 20 disposals, five score involvements, 430m gained whilst using the ball at 85 per cent efficiency.
After impressing with limited opportunities in an injury-interrupted draft year, the Tigers had seen enough of the youngster who had shown X-factor, speed and work rate in spades, and promptly recruited him at pick No.46 in the 2019 NAB AFL Draft from the Sandringham Dragons.
The Richmond faithful quickly bestowed cult-figure status on him in his short 17-game career, with his speed and flowing mullet making him easily identifiable to all.
He has been one of the key improvers on Richmond's list this season, averaging 15.2 disposals, 297m gained and taking 3.5 marks per game in his 11 outings in 2022.
Ralphsmith played six games last season after making his debut in Richmond's thrilling round nine four-point victory over Greater Western Sydney at Marvel Stadium.
In August last year he signed a two-year extension to ensure he remains at Punt Rd until at least 2023.
Ralphsmith is the first Richmond player to receive a NAB Rising Star Nomination since Shai Bolton back in 2019, also in Round 17.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1170344/ralphsmith-earns-round-17-rising-star-nomination
