Tigers pick up Clingan
The Ararat Advertiser
Friday, 15 December 2006
Christmas has come early for the Lake Bolac community after talented young footballer Tas Clingan was picked up in the AFL rookie draft.
Clingan was selected on Tuesday morning in the first round by Richmond, eighth pick overall.
The talented half-back flanker said the call up from Richmond was a pleasant surprise and that he was looking forward to the challenges ahead.
"I couldn't believe it, I still can't really believe it," said a jubilant Clingan on Wednesday.
"I've been getting a few messages from mates and stuff who are all pretty rapt."
Clingan has spent the past few weeks training with the Tigers but the staff at Punt Road had kept tight-lipped about the club's plans to draft him.
"They hadn't really said much about it," he said.
The 18-year-old was a standout junior player at Wickliffe-Lake Bolac in the Mininera and District Football League before joining the ranks at North Ballarat in the TAC Cup under-18 competition.
He played in all 20 games for the Rebels this season after playing seven in 2005.
Clingan has enjoyed training with Richmond and said the players have gone out of their way to help him settle in.
He said the main advice he gets from the players and coaching staff is to work hard and focus on your goals.
While he would love to find himself running out for his first AFL game next season, Clingan is realistic about his development and is committed to improving himself during his time on Richmond's rookie list.
Footballers on AFL rookie lists are not permitted to play senior AFL games unless they are promoted to cover the loss of a player through long-term injury or retirement.
"I just hope I play good footy for (VFL side) Coburg next year," he said.
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