Richmond will enter 2024 armed with three of the tallest gamers within the competitors after signing basketballer Oliver Hayes-Brown as a class B rookie.
The Perth Wildcat will be a part of fellow basketballer Mate Colina on the Tigers’ checklist subsequent season as they proceed to search for extra depth within the ruck.
Richmond checklist boss Blair Hartley mentioned the 23-year-old’s athletic attributes and fast ability enchancment throughout occasional classes at Punt Road in current months had satisfied the membership to tackle one other challenge ruckman.
“We are excited about the upside in Oliver’s game and have great confidence in his ability to work hard and get the best out of himself,” Hartley mentioned.
“Bringing Oliver in is very exciting, and we look forward to seeing what he can achieve working closely with our coaches and new teammates in a full-time football environment.”
Hayes-Brown performed in 13 NBL video games during the last two seasons however was restricted to simply 16 minutes in 5 appearances in 2022-23.
He mentioned he felt the time was proper to alter codes.
“I have always loved my footy, and I have got to an age now where I thought if I don’t switch now, I never will,” he mentioned.
“There is a great group of guys here, and just being a part of the Richmond Football Club is super amazing.”
Premiership ruckman Ivan Soldo was a earlier class B rookie success story for the Tigers, having by no means performed soccer at membership stage earlier than he was recruited in 2014.
Along with the 211cm Colina, who performed seven VFL video games final yr however missed all of this season with a again harm, Samson Ryan (206cm) looms as one other long-term prospect for Richmond after enjoying 14 video games in 2023.
Only the Western Bulldogs (Tim English, Rory Lobb, Jordon Sweet and Sam Darcy) have extra gamers taller than 205cm on their checklist.
BOMBERS RETAIN GUN RUCK
Essendon has managed to hold on to Nick Bryan regardless of vital rival curiosity, securing the promising ruckman on a brand new two-year deal.
Bryan, who was restricted to eight senior video games this yr regardless of coach Brad Scott repeatedly hailing his “dominant” VFL type, has proven religion within the Bombers’ pitch to seek out him extra sport time enjoying alongside Sam Draper subsequent season.
It comes because the Bombers handed injury-hit key ahead Harry Jones a one-year deal for subsequent season, after ankle and again accidents derailed his yr.
Jones, 22, was a second-round choose within the 2019 draft and was given loads of alternative in his second season, booting 20 objectives in 16 video games.
Since then he has solely managed 15 senior video games, averaging eight disposals and a aim.
The shock retirement of the in-form Andrew Phillips could have had a task in protecting Bryan at Essendon, with the Bombers desirous to stick with two specialist rucks enjoying in tandem after the success of the Draper-Phillips mixture of their quick begin to the season.
It is known that Bryan, 21, was eager to safe a transfer elsewhere earlier than breaking into the facet in spherical 18 to play six of the final seven video games.
He performed eight video games for the season, impressing in opposition to Sydney in spherical 20 with 15 disposals and 29 hit-outs.
“I’ve loved my time at Essendon and I’m excited to recommit for a further two years. I’ve got great faith in what we’re building at the club, and we have a young list coming through together who will play their best footy in the years ahead,” Bryan mentioned.
“As a group we’re hungry for success and we’re committed to driving each other so that we can bring success back to Essendon members and fans.”
CATS DELIST TRIO
Geelong confirmed it had delisted a trio of gamers on Monday, together with Osca Riccardi, the son of Cats nice Peter.
Forward-midfielder Sam Simpson was not provided a brand new contract after he booted seven objectives in six video games this season.
Simpson, who impressed together with his clear palms and braveness within the Cats’ 2020 finals marketing campaign, was sidelined for an prolonged interval final season with lingering concussion signs.
The 25-year-old might earn a second probability at one other membership, whereas second-year defender Cooper Whyte was delisted after a sole AFL sport because the sub this season.
Source: www.news.com.au
