Talented, young midfielder Jack Graham is presenting a compelling case to make his senior debut with Richmond at the business end of the season.
Graham, who was the Tigers’ second pick (No. 53 overall) in the 2016 AFL National Draft, has put together a string of impressive performances at VFL level following an injury-interrupted start to his first season at the Club.
The big-bodied, 19-year-old broke his ankle early this year and was sidelined for about three months.
Since returning to the playing field midway through this season, however, Graham has had a significant impact in Richmond’s VFL side.
He’s showcased his ball-winning ability, hardness at the contest, composure under pressure and two-way running capacity.
With Richmond needing to make at least one change for Sunday’s penultimate home-and-away round clash of season 2017 with Fremantle at Domain Stadium, because of midfielder Josh Caddy’s hamstring injury, Graham’s name is bound to bob up in discussions around the Tigers’ selection table this week.
Graham’s 2017 VFL match statistics
Round 9 v Geelong, Punt Road (half a game): Nine disposals, three clearances, two tackles.
Round 10 v Northern Blues, Punt Road (70 percent game time): 16 disposals, three marks, two tackles.
Round 11 v Essendon, Windy Hill (first full game): 17 disposals, six clearances, eight tackles.
Round 12 v Casey, Holm Park: 22 disposals, six clearances, six tackles.
Round 13 v Werribee, Frankston Oval: 21 disposals, 14 contested possessions, eight clearances, six tackles.
Round 14 v Collingwood, Punt Road: Sidelined with a sprained ankle.
Round 15 v North Ballarat, Eureka Stadium: 33 disposals, 15 contested possessions, nine inside-50s, five marks.
Round 16: Bye
Round 17 v Geelong, Simonds Stadium: 22 disposals, 14 contested possessions, six clearances, nine tackles.