Hugo Ralphsmith - 50th game this week [merged]

[pmac21]

I couldn't agree more. I have a similar story. The lack of communication and the realisation that some very talented kids are used to highlight the bigger boys who the developers get their financial reward when drafted. A very toxic system sadly.

Yes, absolutely. I knew of players who at training were told to "not get the ball as much" so the better players could get the benefit of drills.  Even in games, my lad would have a great quarter then be off or moved to a less relevant position which was OK at the time but in hindsight was for the "better players" benefit.  They also regularly put best players in the paper that were no where near it. 

[Andyy]

I couldn't agree more. I have a similar story. The lack of communication and the realisation that some very talented kids are used to highlight the bigger boys who the developers get their financial reward when drafted. A very toxic system sadly.

Yes, absolutely. I knew of players who at training were told to "not get the ball as much" so the better players could get the benefit of drills.  Even in games, my lad would have a great quarter then be off or moved to a less relevant position which was OK at the time but in hindsight was for the "better players" benefit.  They also regularly put best players in the paper that were no where near it. 

Financial incentives huh? Might explain some of the complete dud draftees.

[one-eyed]

Hugo Ralphsmith has bulked up – "Bigger body, bigger mullet," Hardwick said – and is being groomed as a potential replacement for Bachar Houli off half-back.

Source: AFL website.

[one-eyed]

No Hugo this week at either level.

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Richmond is very bullish on Hugo Ralphsmith & he's been on the verge of an AFL debut in the early rounds. But the half-back/winger has been hit with a 2-match suspension (down to 1 if he takes the early guilty plea) from the VFL match review panel for striking over the weekend.

https://twitter.com/CalTwomey/status/1379377674309746688

[Diocletian]

So a has bit of campaigner in him eh? Good...

[one-eyed]

Tigers’ reveal plan to find silver lining in huge injury blow



Richmond says it can find a silver lining in Shane Edwards’ long-term injury with a new cult hero looming for a Round 9 debut.

Paywall: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-richmond-v-geelong-all-the-news-and-analysis-from-grand-final-rematch/news-story/0da5b35ff968c73e5e0636647060a645

[taztiger4]

https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/935084/ralphsmith-to-debut?videoId=935084&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1620880200001

[pmac21]

Great. Love these moments when they ring the families.

[one-eyed]

Dimma said Hugo will play forward and wing.

[one-eyed]

How did we all see Hugo's debut?

[Gracie]

Went alright for his first game.

[Tiger Khosh]

Went alright. Looked better on the wing than up forward.

[pmac21]

Like most players looked good in space. 
Worth another game next week. 

[WilliamPowell]

Went alright. Looked better on the wing than up forward.

Agree with this

Thought he reasonable

[Andyy]

I thought he looked a player myself.

Good size.

Was sitting behind a group of lads that must have been his school footy team or something, they were getting right into it haha.

Don't drop him until the top shelf blokes are ready.