Mykelti Lefau [merged]

[the claw]

Last time we did the SSP we took Bradke over Motlop………………hopeless

Our history in the ssp or pre season supplemental draft period since we won our first flag in 2017.


2019 - Weller mature, Stack sml mid/fwd.
2022 - Bradtke kpf
2024????

In all areas where we can rookie players ie rookie draft, ssp, msd,  cat b rookies i would argue strongly since the 2017 flag we have found just 2 players who have been both good and given good decent  service. They are Baker and Pickett.

There is some hope that we will get  something good out of the 2022  and 2023 lot but its still a bit early with only Young having established himself but he is hardly top shelf. including young thats just three players.

Since the inception of free agency in 2012 which is unrestricted, restricted and delisted free agents  we have only used it 5 times. Only lynch since 2017. thats one player from that source.

The  National draft. Since 2017 on our list only Balta pick 25, Ross 43 who is average and possibly Gibcus pick 9 based on 1 year  have truly established themselves. thats just 3 players from the largest source.

When it comes to trades since 2017 we have only traded for Tarrant very short term plus Taranto and Hopper. Of course we have traded for picks. thats just two players.

[Tiger Khosh]

Last time we did the SSP we took Bradke over Motlop………………hopeless

Narkle

Yes and if I remember correctly, every poster was all for this due to our lack of KPF. Drafting a tall for the sake of taking a tall will leave you for the most cases with a lot of failed experiments. At least with the SSP, you are giving up the bare minimum in a list spot and a rookie contract.

Also, did we miss something with Narkle? Barely played 3 games for port and not in their 22.

[WilliamPowell]

We should be looking at Mutaz El Nour, Archie May, Lefau from the VFL.  Van Rooyen also worth a look

WP triggered...

 

But I'll just say this

If we are going to consider El Nour then we should bring back Bradtke 

[the claw]

I have no problem with the Bradtke experiment its a bloody rookie pick basically.
I only saw his highlights but he looked good in them.

People do realise with these types of picks the odds are you will get a good percentage wrong but they cost nothing, hopefully you find the odd good one.
Its more about playing numbers than actually seeking a high quality pick. as a lot say they dont all play well at 18 sometimes gooduns take a bit longer. As long as they have enough good attributes and your sure they will have or get the physical attributes for the level then its here you take plenty of punts.

[one-eyed]

Apparently Lefau was training with the AFL squad today....looks like he might be vying for the SSP spot...

A glimpse of Lefau was posted on twitter/X.


https://twitter.com/merrrnique/status/1729010494609178793

[MintOnLamb]

Apparently Lefau was training with the AFL squad today....looks like he might be vying for the SSP spot...

A glimpse of Lefau was posted on twitter/X.


https://twitter.com/merrrnique/status/1729010494609178793

He’s a big unit, hope he can train well and get the spot.

[Andyy]

How big? 195/96?

What's his best position?

[Diocletian]

How big? 195/96?

What's his best position?

Good guess - that's what he's listed as....

Is a mid-forward....low possession but damaging with a high ratio of clearances, good marking target , quick & powerful, reasonable shot for goal , tackling machine with a Rugby background, late to the game so lacks a bit of footy nous though slowly improving in that area and has iffy disposal & decision making at times but not another Folau despite what some might say, will be 26 this year so no kid, boom or bust type worth the risk with the pick , covers two positional needs and helps with our tackling issues.....

[Andyy]

He was listed that size in about 2022 so just wondering if he's changed at all.
If he can play forward that would be nice. Only need a handful of touches to be effective.

[Diocletian]

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1068523/richmond-tigers-give-vfl-utility-mykelti-lefau-east-perth-forward-mitch-schofield-chance-to-earn-rookie-spot

 

[TigerLand]

I love this part of the AFL now days. No absolute rags to riches stories yet but love seeing chances given to guys that otherwise would get lost in system. Both boys read like they have potential.

[WilliamPowell]

Tigers give VFL utility, East Perth forward chance to earn rookie spot
By Josh Gabelich
4 hrs ago

The Tigers are giving two players the chance to earn a spot on their rookie list

RICHMOND has invited East Perth forward Mitch Schofield and New Zealander Mykelti Lefau to train with the club during the pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP).

The pair started training with Adem Yze's squad on Monday morning – beginning life at Punt Road with the 2km time trial – and are expected to be given until at least Christmas to earn a shot on the rookie list.

Schofield produced a breakout season in the WAFL this year, kicking 30 goals to become a permanent fixture for the Royals.

The 22-year-old focused on baseball during his childhood and was set to move to the United States to play in the NCAA before the coronavirus pandemic shut down the world in 2020.

The 194cm mobile forward played local football instead that season before being spotted by East Perth, where he has gradually earned more senior opportunities across the past 18 months, attracting interest from a few clubs across the back end of 2023.

Lefau moved from Auckland to Melbourne in 2012 and spent time in Melbourne Storm's development program before deciding to focus on football rather than rugby league.

The 23-year-old played some games for the Casey Demons before the pandemic, then returned to local football level where he played for St Kilda City in the Southern Football Club.

Lefau joined Richmond's VFL program ahead of the 2022 season and played six games before suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear that ended his first season with the Tigers.

But after a long recovery, the 195cm, 96kg utility returned in June and played 11 VFL games to put his career back on track.

Richmond has rewarded a growing number of players out of the club's VFL program in recent times, with James Trezise, Tylar Young and Jake Aarts all graduating to the AFL list at the Swinburne Centre, while Massimo D'Ambrosio and Sam Durham have also landed AFL chances elsewhere after playing VFL football for the Tigers.

The SSP opened on Monday and will run until February 19 with Schofield and Lefau likely to return after the Christmas break if they impress between now and the end of training in December.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1068523/richmond-tigers-give-vfl-utility-mykelti-lefau-east-perth-forward-mitch-schofield-chance-to-earn-rookie-spot

[one-eyed]

Mitch Schofield 22 Year Old from WA

194CM / 84KG

11.7 Disposals Per Game
5.9 Marks Per Game
1.6 Goals Per Game

Unbelievable marker of the football, would be another key forward option.


https://twitter.com/jamesdevennn/status/1729409579468071345

[one-eyed]

Mykelti an impressive specimen: speed & power (2.79 20m at school: would've been #1 at '23 Combine).
Kicked 25.5 for St Kilda City U19s vs Carrum in 2016!
3yrs at Casey & last 2 @RichmondVFL mainly fwd. Midfield bursts late & changed complexion of gm with ability to bust out.

https://twitter.com/JasonBennettTV/status/1729431241077010559

[Diocletian]

Could really do with both  - can we Capuano someone?