As the AFL Draft rapidly approaches, speculation is mounting that the Richmond Tigers are poised to select explosive midfielder Sam Lalor with the coveted No. 1 pick. The Tigers, who endured a difficult season finishing at the bottom of the ladder, hold a remarkable eight selections in the top 24, putting them in prime position to turbocharge their rebuild with an injection of top young talent.
Lalor Draws Lofty Comparisons
While Richmond has remained tight-lipped about their intentions with the top pick, Lalor has emerged as the clear favorite in recent weeks. The powerful goal-kicking midfielder has drawn tantalizing comparisons to some of the AFL’s biggest stars, including Richmond’s own Dustin Martin and Collingwood dynamo Jordan De Goey.
Obviously I want to go as high as I can. I’ll be happy to go anywhere still, but I think everyone wants to go as high as they can and if it fell that way I’d be extremely proud.
Sam Lalor on potentially being the No. 1 pick
Lalor himself has expressed excitement at the prospect of joining the Tigers, saying “They’re obviously a great club with a big fan base and in a good location, so I think if it did happen that way, I’d be really happy.” The young gun models his game on the explosive power and scoring ability of Martin and De Goey.
Other Top Prospects Jockey for Position
While Lalor appears to be separating from the pack, a number of other highly touted prospects are vying for top billing in this talented draft class. Victorian midfielders Finn O’Sullivan and Jagga Smith have both been mentioned as possible alternatives for the Tigers at pick one.
According to sources, the Adelaide Crows are considering trading up in an attempt to snag Smith, who has indicated he is open to moving interstate. Meanwhile, athletic key defender Alix Tauru is also making a late charge up draft boards and could come into consideration for clubs like North Melbourne, Carlton and Melbourne in the top five.
Father-Son and Academy Prospects Add Intrigue
As always, the presence of highly rated father-son and academy talents is set to shake up the top end of the draft. The Brisbane Lions are expected to match bids for midfield star Levi Ashcroft, son of former Lion Marcus Ashcroft, and defender Sam Marshall.
Other linked prospects who could attract early bids include Essendon’s Isaac Kako and Gold Coast academy product Leo Lombard. The jockeying for position around these nominated youngsters only adds to the intrigue heading into draft night.
A New Era Dawns at Punt Road
For the Tigers and their fans, this draft represents a momentous opportunity to lay the foundation for the club’s next era of success. After claiming three premierships in the past decade on the back of a star-studded veteran core, Richmond now turns its attention to the future.
Armed with a bevy of high picks and the potential to add a genuine superstar talent like Lalor with the first selection, the Tigers are well positioned to climb back up the ladder sooner rather than later. An already promising young nucleus featuring emerging stars like Samson Ryan, Josh Gibcus and Tyler Sonsie is about to receive a major boost.
As the anticipation builds for the opening night of the AFL Draft, all eyes will be on Richmond to see how they use their bounty of early picks. By this time next week, Lalor and a host of other talented youngsters could be donning the famous yellow and black, ready to launch the Tigers’ next assault on the summit of Australian rules football.
