Richmond has signed 183cm basketballer Saraid Taylor to its AFLW list for Season 7.

Taylor is a current NBL1 teammate and close friend of Richmond midfielder Tessa Lavey. She was also a member of the Southside Flyers’ 2020 WNBL Championship team with Monique Conti.

The 23-year-old was recommended to Tigers recruiters by Lavey and Conti, given her suitability and transferrable skills for AFLW.

Taylor has excellent endurance, anticipation, speed, competitiveness and agility. She will be initially developed as a defender/ruck for the Tigers.

The Victorian said being on an AFLW list was a dream she never thought would be possible. 

"I've grown up loving football and I've always watched it, but I never thought I'd be able to play it," she said.

"So to be standing here is surreal but I'm very excited.

"It's going to be a busy couple of months but I'll be here as much as I can, throwing myself into football."

Richmond Head of Women’s Football, Kate Sheahan, said the Club was excited by Taylor’s athletic profile.

"Saraid is a great size and has attributes that we think will carry over to AFLW nicely,” she said.

"Tessa and Mon know what it takes to play in this competition and identified Saraid as someone that could make the jump, which after some initial football sessions our staff and coaches agree with.

"Saraid has a lot of hard work ahead of her, and it will not just happen overnight, but we are very excited to be giving her this opportunity to develop as an athlete and footballer."

Off the sports field, Taylor is the daughter of two charity founders. She is a screenwriter, novelist and poet. Her younger brother, Ayce, was previously on Adelaide’s rookie list.