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 trade pick-up, talented speedster Chris Yarran, who initially was taken by Carlton with its first pick (No. 6 overall) in the 2008 National Draft.
Chris Yarran’s immense football ability was evident at an early age, when he growing up in the outer eastern Perth suburb of Midvale.
Yarran played for the Midvale Junior Football Club, along with his Bushby Street neighbors – a couple of capable youngsters in Nic Natanui (a star ruckman today with West Coast) and Michael Walters (a star small forward today for Fremantle).
The Midvale JFC also was home to another couple of youngsters, who subsequently made the big step up into AFL ranks – Jeff Garlett (Carlton and now Melbourne) and David Ellard (Carlton).
Frank Cavicchio, a life member of the Midvale Junior Football Club, was Yarran’s coach for several seasons, and ranked him No. 1 among all the young players he coached in terms of sheer skill.
“Chris was the standout. He had so much class about him,” Cavicchio said.
“Skill-wise, on the left or right side of his body, he was a fantastic kick, even as a kid.
“He only put it on when he had to put it on, but when he put it on, he put it on. He had fun playing his footy with his mates.”
Yarran was primarily a small forward during his junior playing days, but occasionally spent time in the midfield and defence.
In his mid-teens, Yarran joined WAFL club Swan Districts, while also developing his football skills as a member of the AIS/AFL Academy squad and completing his education at Clontarf Aboriginal College.
Early in 2007, he captained a team from the Clontarf Football Academy in a match against a visiting South African under 19s side. Later that year, he played in a premiership team with the Swan Districts colts.
Then, in the opening round of the WAFL’s 2008 season, at just 17 years of age, Yarran made his senior debut for Swan Districts against Peel Thunder.
And, what a spectacular debut it was!
Yarran produced a scintillating seven-goal display that was the catalyst for a convincing Swan Districts’ victory.
Here’s a media report of Yarran’s brilliant debut . . .
“Clontarf academy graduate Chris Yarran dazzled the Peel Thunder defence and kicked his way into the WAFL history books after a seven-goal debut for Swan Districts at Rushton Park on March 22.
In a remarkable introduction to senior football, Yarran accumulated 19 possessions, five marks, kicked seven goals and registered three behinds, capping off a memorable 22-point victory for the visitors.
In a fine display of silky movement, explosive pace, deft ball handling and clinical finishing, the 17-year-old joins a handful of players to kick seven or more goals on debut in a WAFL league game.”
Yarran continued to have a significant impact at senior level with Swan Districts throughout the ’08 season, finishing with 39 goals in 13 games, including four in their preliminary final win against West Perth. But the gifted teenager was much less influential the following week, when Swans were beaten in the grand final by Subiaco.
He also represented WA at the under-18 national championships in that same year, scoring eight goals in four games.
Going into the 2008 National Draft, it was expected Yarran would be an early pick, given the fact he was widely regarded as one of the most talented young players available.
Therefore, it was no surprise when he was taken by Carlton with its first pick (No. 6) overall.
Yarran’s senior league debut was in Round 7 of the 2009 season against Fremantle at Carrara on the Gold Coast.
In 2010, Yarran made 16 senior appearances and earned an AFL Rising Star nomination.
He would go on to play 119 games for Carlton all-up, before being recently traded to Richmond.
Throughout his time with the Blues, he earned a reputation, when on-song, as one of the most exciting players in the competition, due to his lightning pace, evasive ability and excellent kicking skills with either foot.
He’s also capable of being used effectively in a variety of roles, including as a small forward and a rebounding defender.
What they said after he was drafted
“Chris played senior footy this year with Swan Districts predominantly as a small forward. He's very quick, he's got good hands and he kicks the ball well. Once he's developed the engine and endurance base, he could be unbelievable through the midfield because he makes good decisions and uses it so well.” – Jason McCartney, AFL youth and high performance co-ordinator at the time.
“He would be as good as anyone in the 18s group this year in terms of his skills, his touch, his awareness in traffic and just his feel for the game. If you look at his performance in really big games during the year, given his age and his preparation, they were just outstanding performances. There are not many kids of that age who can have the sort of impact he was having in WAFL football off a limited preparation.” – John Haines, WA talent and coaching manager at the time.
What he said after being drafted
“I didn’t actually have any idea until draft day and was as surprised as anyone else on November 29th . . . Wayne Hughes and Shane Rogers (Carlton recruiters) had come to my house in Perth a week before the draft, but didn’t give too much away. On the day, I didn’t quite know when my name was going to be called out, then Carlton was the club and off I went . . . I just want to get respect from the boys and would love to do that in the seniors, but I will take it as it happens. Everyone wants to play in the ones but we can’t all fit in, but I hope to get some time in the seniors.”
Richmond’s National Draft selections in 2008
No. 8 – Ty Vickery
No. 26 – Jayden Post
No. 58 – Tom Hislop
Other notable AFL National Draft selections in 2008
Jack Watts (No. 1, Melbourne)
Hamish Hartlett (No. 4, Port Adelaide)
Daniel Rich (No. 7, Brisbane)
Steele Sidebottom (No. 11, Collingwood)
Hayden Ballantyne (No. 21, Fremantle)
Dan Hannebery (No. 30, Sydney)
Steven Motlop (No. 39, Geelong)
Rory Sloane (No. 44, Adelaide)
Career to date
Games – 119
Goals – 90
Average disposals – 14.4
Milestones – 2010 AFL Rising Star nomination, 2012 AFL Goal of the Year winner
