From a ‘little old paddock’ to Punt Road – Banks is ready to roarby AFL Tasmania
Nov 26, 2021 Whitefoord, a suburb of just 60 people, lies in the heart of Tasmania. Few links between this rural part of the state and inner-Melbourne immediately spring to mind, however, this small community has a strong connection to the Richmond Tigers Football Club.
Sam Banks, who hails from the region, will soon find himself in the big smoke, selected by the Richmond Football Club with pick 29 in the 2021 NAB AFL Draft. He follows in the footsteps of Australian Football Hall of Fame Legend Royce Hart, also from Whitefoord, who put together a storied career in the yellow and black, booting 369 goals from 187 games.
“I come from a little suburb called Whitefoord, 20 minutes away from Oatlands,” the 19-year-old said.
“I went from Kinder to Grade 10 at the Oatlands District High School. I grew up training and playing footy with the Woodsdale Footy Club on a little old paddock, pretty much.”
“For my home ground to now be the MCG, it’s a big step but it’s unbelievable. I can’t wait.”
Banks was pinching himself the morning after his name was called out, with the Tasmania Devils captain joining fellow Tasmanians Jack Riewoldt, Toby Nankervis and Rhyan Mansell – who Banks played alongside in the NAB League – at Tigerland.
“It was a bit of shock, really. Sitting there with my mates, my family and my girlfriend. When my name got read out there was shock for the start. I’m still lost for words.
“I had some interest from them (Richmond) through my manager yesterday morning but a couple of clubs were interested.
“I spoke with Jack Riewoldt this morning on the radio and had a phone call from Tom Lynch this morning but my phone was blowing up so I missed it. I had a call from Damien (Hardwick) earlier as well. It was great to hear his voice.”
“Living away from home will be tough but it’s something I’ve got my head around. There’s a few Tassie boys at Richmond and I’m going to move in with Rhyan Mansell for a few weeks which will be good.”
Banks, who captained the Tasmania Devils in 2021, has modelled his game off a soon-to-be Tiger teammate.
“Jayden Short is one I’ve looked at as a rebounding half back. I’m really keen to learn from him.
“Brodie Smith from Adelaide is another one. They are both a similar sort of player, rebounding half backs with a good penetrating kick, which is one of my strengths.”
After an injured wrist hampered his 2021 year, Banks feared he may have slipped out of draft contention.
“Going into the year I was reasonably confident, but the wrist wreaked havoc all year and I was worried I’d slide too far and wouldn’t be taken at all. Richmond have taken a punt on me and I can’t wait to get going.
“There will be a little more rehab (for the wrist injury). Fingers crossed over the next few weeks the ligament comes good so I can get cracking as soon as I can.”
Tasmania Devils Head Coach and Talent Manager Jeromey Webberley coached Banks throughout his time at Clarence. A once Richmond player himself, Webberley is confident Banks has what it takes to make a seamless transition into an AFL environment.
“He’s easy to coach because he has high talent, he’s a professional and he picks things up really well. He’s a natural football player and won’t have any issues going into the AFL system – he’ll adapt really well.
“His running ability is a real strength. He has an AFL athletic profile, but then when the ball is in his hand his decision making and kicking ability really sets him apart.”
https://www.afltas.com.au/2021/11/26/from-a-little-old-paddock-to-punt-road-banks-is-ready-to-roar/
