Richmond rejuvenated its list by adding five talented players from Victoria and Tasmania at the 2021 NAB AFL National Draft.

The Tigers used all five of the prized top 30 selections the Club entered the Draft with, landing an exciting array of players.

Athletic key defender Josh Gibcus became Richmond’s first top-10 draft pick since 2012 when his name was called at selection No. 9 overall.

Gibcus, a GWV Rebels product, was the #1 intercept player in the NAB League in 2021, averaging eight intercepts per game.

Standing at 196cm, Gibcus is capable of manning opposition key forwards, while Tigers recruiters also see the potential for the 18-year-old to play in attack.

Richmond added Gibcus’ Victoria Country teammate, Tom Brown, with the Club’s next pick (No. 17 Overall), adding further depth to the Club’s defensive stocks.

The Murray Bushranger, who is the son of former Geelong player Paul Brown, impressed Tigers recruiters with his strong hands, ball use and athleticism.

Richmond then pounced on highly-rated midfielder Tyler Sonsie at No. 28 overall before rounding off the night by selecting running defender Sam Banks (29) and midfielder/forward Judson Clarke (30) with consecutive picks in the second round.

Sonsie averaged 23 disposals in the NAB League this season and excelled in his one VFL match with Box Hill, gathering 24 touches and booting two goals.

The classy 18-year-old has a high football IQ and is excellent on both sides of the body.

Banks, a skillful player from Clarence, has captained Tasmania at junior level in all age groups. He impressed the Tigers with his decision-making, intercepting and running capabilities.

Clarke is a smooth mover with elite finishing skills. The Dandenong Stingrays product bounced back from an ACL injury-affected 2020 by averaging 18 disposals and four inside 50s at NAB League level this year.

Richmond National Recruiting Manager Matt Clarke said the Club was “really excited” to welcome five talented young players.

“We have filled some needs on our list. We thought some good players would come through the 20s and we are rapt to get our boys,” he added.

“It is great when you can bring together a group of boys in this number and hopefully, they can play together and come through as a wave like we have had in the past.”