New talent may be Tiger target
Jake Niall | November 26, 2007 | The Age
RICHMOND is considering using its prized first selection in the pre-season draft on the best untried talent that was overlooked in Saturday's national draft rather than a seasoned performer.
The Tigers yesterday held a trial for 14 players who did not make the cut on Saturday draft, and yesterday confirmed that they might not pick a seasoned AFL player — either uncontracted or delisted — in next month's pre-season draft.
With the Tigers contemplating picking a kid with their first choice — with which clubs usually hope to land a proven uncontracted player — the pre-season draft could see the unprecedented situation in which the top three choices are all juniors.
Carlton and Melbourne, which have the second and third choices respectively, also are giving strong consideration to overlooking the thin pool of delisted and uncontracted players.
None of the first three in the pre-season draft are interested in Adelaide forward Scott Welsh, who is committed to join the Bulldogs on a two-year deal.
"It won't necessarily be a seasoned player and it won't necessarily be a junior," said Richmond football director Greg Miller. "We've got no preconceived thoughts at the moment."
Miller said, however, that the Tigers would be willing to look at uncontracted Brisbane Lion Ashley McGrath, who, Welsh aside, would be the best seasoned talent available at this stage.
McGrath has indicated he is interested in joining Fremantle and returning to his home state, but it might prove difficult for him to get past the five clubs ahead of the Dockers.
It is unlikely that he would walk out on Brisbane for a Melbourne club.
Miller said the Tigers would "make a significant improvement" to their list with the first choice not only in the pre-season draft, but also in the rookie draft — which has assumed greater importance for all clubs.
Miller said the club had already reduced the 15 from the trial to "five or six" who would be invited to train with the club before the pre-season and rookie drafts, which are both held on December 11.
Miller said former Fremantle player Clayton Collard, an unfulfilled talent who disappointed in his brief career as a Docker, had been invited to train at Punt Road. Former Collingwood ruckman Guy Richards is another who had been training with the Tigers.
Miller named some of the players whom the club was considering drafting in either the rookie or pre-season draft. They were Jeremy Laidler and Ashley Arrowsmith from the Calder Cannons, Daniel Gourdis (Perth) and Jared Patrenko (Woodville-West Torrens). Gourdis also is about to start training at Richmond.
PRE-SEASON DRAFT:
The pre-season draft order, at this stage, and possible selections:
1. Richmond: Open-minded about whether to pick the best untried or seasoned player.
2. Carlton: Similar to Richmond, might pick a kid or upgrade rookie Michael Jamison if there is no suitable player
3. Melbourne: As likely to pick a kid as ex-Eagle Ashley Sampi.
4. Western Bulldogs: Have committed to Adelaide forward Scott Welsh on a two-year deal.
5. Essendon: Has kept a pick open, but has not committed to anyone.
6. Fremantle: Interested in uncontracted Lion Ashley McGrath, if he does not re-sign.
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