Tigers name cubs
12:24:51 PM Thu 4 May, 2006
Jennifer Witham
Sportal for afl.com.au
Richmond is set to unveil two promising midfielders in Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls and Dean Polo in the club's round six clash with Essendon on Saturday night.Coach Terry Wallace on Thursday revealed the young Aboriginal Oakley Nicholls will take his place in the side for the second annual Dreamtime at the 'G blockbuster at the MCG while Polo will make his long-awaited debut after being drafted in 2004.
Oakley-Nicholls was selected at number eight overall - and the Tigers' first pick - in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft after he was among the Sandgropers' best in last year's under-18 championships.
He played two senior games for WAFL side East Perth in 2005 and was ranked first for agility and second for pace at the NAB AFL Draft Camp.
Polo - a 19-year-old on-baller from country Victoria - was picked up with number 20 overall in the NAB AFL Draft in 2004 and spent 2005 progressing through the Coburg reserves and seniors to the cusp of AFL selection.
Wallace said it was appropriate that Oakley-Nicholls made his debut in the game that celebrates the contribution indigenous players have made - and continue to make - to the AFL brand.
"I couldn't think of a more fitting game for him to have his first game," Wallace said.
"When we look at this game in 10 years time, and we hope that it builds up to be a real spectacle of our game, Jarrad will be one of the people who will be able to say he played his very first game in this particular match."
Oakley-Nicholls endured a sleepless night on Wednesday after being informed of his impending debut and couldn't stop smiling when he fronted the media three days ahead of the game.
"It's a pretty big occasion. I was just rapt to get my first game but to have it in this game is even more special," he said at the launch of the themed match.
"I'm pretty nervous at the moment but I suppose I'll settle down before the game and take it as it comes."
The pacy 18-year-old said he had spoken to fellow indigenous Tigers Andrew Krakouer and Richard Tambling about the significance of the game, and was happy to reveal his family would travel from Western Australia to witness his debut.
"I've spoken to Andy and to Richard and it's a big game to be playing in, especially for my first game. I can't wait," Oakley-Nicholls said.
"My brother and his family and my sister and her kids are coming over and making the trip over from WA.
"I found out (I was playing) yesterday and I was pretty excited yesterday. I couldn't sleep last night."
http://richmondfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=262984
