As the dust settles on the 2024 AFL Draft, all eyes are on Richmond’s prized number one pick Sam Lalor. The explosive midfielder has already drawn comparisons to retired Tigers legend Dustin Martin, and now he’s set his sights on inheriting the iconic number 4 jumper that Martin made famous.
A New Era Dawns at Tigerland
The 2024 season was a tough one for Richmond, finishing last under new coach Adem Yze. But the club’s fortunes took a dramatic turn on draft night, as they secured a mammoth six first-round selections, led by the coveted number one pick.
That pick was used on Sam Lalor, an 18-year-old midfield dynamo from Victoria who has already drawn lofty comparisons to some of the game’s biggest stars. Lalor’s powerful frame, explosive speed, and knack for kicking clutch goals have seen him likened to not only Dustin Martin, but also Collingwood star Jordan De Goey.
Filling Dusty’s Boots
While Lalor is eager to carve his own path, he hasn’t shied away from the Martin comparisons. In fact, he’s openly expressed his desire to take on the famous number 4 jumper that Martin wore with such distinction across 15 glorious seasons at Punt Road.
“It’s pretty hard to play like him, but I suppose some of the things I do on the field are kind of like him,” Lalor said of the comparisons to Martin. “He’s someone I’ve watched growing up, so I’d love to play like him.”
“I’d definitely like [the number 4]. I wear number 4 throughout the year and it’s my favorite number, so if I did get it, I’d snatch it up.”
– Sam Lalor
Martin retired in August as one of the greatest players in AFL history, leaving massive shoes to fill. The Tigers are yet to confirm whether they’ll put his iconic number 4 in cotton wool for a period or hand it down to one of their new crop of young stars straight away.
Leading the Tiger Cubs
Lalor won’t be leading the Richmond revival alone though. He’s joined by an exciting batch of first-round talent, including Josh Smillie (pick 7), Levi Ashcroft (matched at pick 5), and three other top 25 selections.
The Bacchus Marsh product captained both the GWV Rebels and Vic Country in his junior career, and he’s already eyeing off a leadership role with this new-look Tigers outfit.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of that [draftee] group and hoping to lead it as well,” Lalor said. “Richmond having so many picks in the top few will help. Not all the spotlight’s on me … I’m sure they’ll help me along the way and I’ll help them as well.”
– Sam Lalor
A Bright Future Ahead
While Richmond fans will need to be patient with Lalor and this exciting new crop of youngsters, there are already promising signs. Lalor’s mix of power, speed, skill and leadership has all the hallmarks of a future superstar.
If he can have even half the impact that Dustin Martin had in the yellow and black, then Tigers fans are in for a treat. And if he does end up claiming that famous number 4 jumper, then the comparisons to the great man are only going to intensify.
One thing’s for sure – with Sam Lalor leading the charge, the future looks bright at Tigerland. The Dusty era may be over, but the dawn of a new dynasty could be just beginning.
