Richmond has used its fourth selection (No. 29 overall) in the 2021 national draft to recruit Clarence defender Sam Banks.
Recruited from: Tasmania Devils/Clarence
Position: Rebounding defender
Height: 186cm
Weight: 71kg
DOB: 2/4/03
What the Richmond recruiters say about Banks...
Sam is a skillful running type from Clarence, Tasmania, Jack Riewoldt’s junior club.
Highly regarded rebounding defender, Banks has played two years of senior Tasmanian State League football. He had a dominant Under 16 Championships in 2019, winning the Alan McLean Medal for the Best and Fairest in Division 2.
Sam's strengths in his game are his kicking, decision making, intercepting, competitiveness and running capabilities.
Sam is a highly-credentialed young man. Having been named Tasmanian Captain at all levels, he has played Under 12’s, 15’s, 16’s and 18’s.
Sam was part of the AFL Academy 2020/2021, despite having to overcome a wrist injury which impacted his 2021 season.
In his four NAB League games, he averaged 21.8 disposals, six rebound-50s and two intercept marks per game, which showcased his rebounding and intercepting ability which saw him selected in NAB Team of the year.
Sam attended the prestigious Guilford Young College in Hobart. He grew up on a farm in Whitefoord, one hour north of Hobart.
We see Sam as a versatile player, capable of playing AFL as a rebounding defender with the scope to progress to a wing and potentially a midfield role in time.
