In the lead-up to the 2015 National Draft on November 24, richmondfc.com.au is taking a look back at some of the players who have entered the AFL system over the past decade and will line up for the Tigers in season 2016.  Today, we focus on recent mature-age Tiger recruit Andrew Moore, who initially was taken by Port Adelaide with its first pick (No. 9 overall) in the 2009 National Draft.

Port Adelaide’s interest in drafting Andrew Moore back in 2009 intensified after its talent scouts watched him twice beat highly-rated youngster Gary Rohan (who ended up being selected by Sydney at pick six in the ‘09 National Draft) during that season.

On the first occasion, Moore, representing Vic Metro in the national under-18 championships, took the honors against Rohan, who was playing for Vic Country.

Moore, the younger brother of Richmond defender at the time, Kelvin Moore, was the top-ranked player at those championships for contested marks and a key member of the Vic Metro side.

The second time in 2009 that Moore won the match-up with Rohan, was during the TAC Cup finals series. 

Moore, playing with the Eastern Ranges, outpointed the Geelong Falcons star in the midfield during the first half, then went forward in the second half and kicked four goals.

After showcasing his football skills set throughout the ’09 season, Moore proceeded to display his athletic ability at the AFL draft camp, ranking first overall for the running vertical leap test.

His sub three-second, 20-metre sprint time (2.97 seconds), 14.1 beep test, and 10-minute 43-second three-kilometre time trial, also demonstrated an impressive mix of explosive speed and endurance.

Port Adelaide was suitably impressed with Moore from both a pure football perspective – clean hands, strong marking, disposal efficiency, sharp decision-making, competitive spirit and capacity to win contested ball – and his athletic prowess.

The Power had no hesitation in using its top-10 pick (No. 9) on Moore, and he subsequently made his senior league debut in the opening round of the 2010 season against North Melbourne at AAMI Stadium, finishing with 14 disposals and four marks.

Moore managed seven games all-up that season, six in 2011 and 11 in 2012, before producing the best football of his league career in 2013.

He played 17 games and was a valuable member of the Port team that defeated Collingwood in the elimination final at the MCG, and then narrowly lost to Geelong in the semi-final at the ‘G’ the following week.

But, after just nine games in 2014, and only five senior appearances this year, Moore was delisted by Port.

Richmond subsequently swooped to secure Moore’s services for the 2016 season, confident his best football at the game’s highest level is still to come.

What they said after he was drafted

“He has the ability to win the ball one-on-one, he has speed and power and we project him being able to play as a big-bodied midfielder, who can run and go forward and take contested marks.  He's shown the ability to dominate the game in all areas.  He's a really strong contested mark, who's brave going backwards with the flight . . .” – Port Adelaide’s then Recruiting Manager Blair Hartley

What he said after being drafted

“It’s such a relief, especially to be called out that early . . . I've been modelling myself on two players – Ryan O'Keefe and Adam Goodes.  Ryan O'Keefe, because he's a versatile player similar to me, his height is similar to mine and he has a great work ethic.  Adam Goodes, for his athleticism.  I'm able to play in a variety of positions and roles on the field, whether it be forward, down back, or even in the midfield.  Another (strength) would be my athleticism.  I played a fair bit of basketball in my junior years and that has helped me develop my agility.”

Richmond’s National Draft selections in 2009

No. 3 – Dustin Martin
No. 19 – Ben Griffiths
No. 35 – David Astbury

Other notable AFL National Draft selections in 2009

Tom Scully (No. 1, Melbourne)
Ben Cunnington (No. 5, North Melbourne)
Gary Rohan (No. 6, Sydney)
Daniel Talia (No. 13, Adelaide)
Nathan Fyfe (No. 20, Fremantle)
Jake Carlisle (No. 24, Essendon)
Jack Gunston (No. 29, Adelaide)
Ben Stratton (No. 46, Hawthorn)

Career to date

Games – 55
Goals – 18
Average disposals – 13.5