Richmond has locked away the remainder of its 2021 AFL National Draft crop, with exciting youngsters Judson Clarke, Sam Banks and Tom Brown signing contract extensions.
The talented trio have each put pen to paper on an additional two years, keeping them at the Club until at least the end of 2025.
It follows the recent signatures of key defender Josh Gibcus and midfielder Tyler Sonsie, tying all of the Club's five top-30 selections from last year's draft to Richmond for the next three years.
Clarke played three senior games in his debut AFL season, booting three goals. The skillful forward also managed 16 majors from 15 appearances for the VFL Tigers.
The youngster was the matchwinner in the Tigers' final round VFL clash against Frankston, booting the winning goal from a tight angle in a best-on-ground display.
Clarke also showed his ability to bob up at an important moment at senior level with a fourth-quarter goal in Richmond's round 15 thriller against eventual premiers Geelong.
Richmond General Manager- Football Talent, Blair Hartley said Clarke’s high work-rate and natural flair made him a popular teammate.
“Judson has not put a foot wrong since arriving at the football club and was rewarded with senior opportunities this year,” he added.
“We look forward to him using that taste of AFL football as motivation to continue to grow his game.”
Brown, a first-round selection at last year's National Draft (No. 17 overall), showed promising signs throughout his first season at the Club.
The Mooroopna product was in the frame for senior selection before niggling injuries and illness saw him miss a month of football in the early parts of the season.
“It was pleasing to see Tom put together some consistent form across half-back at VFL level after overcoming some interruptions early in the year,” Hartley said.
“Tom showed us all the traits that made us rate him so highly in his draft year and we are really excited about what he can achieve in 2023 and beyond.”
Banks, who was selected with Richmond's fourth pick (No. 29 overall) at last year's draft from Tasmania, showed he is a classy player throughout the year at VFL level.
After a delayed pre-season, the talented wingman managed 17 matches for the VFL Tigers, averaging 17 disposals and booting five goals.
Banks stoodout with his strong two-way running, long kicking, and hardness. The 19-year-old was an AFL emergency on multiple occasions this season.
“Sam has worked very hard since arriving at the Club, setting a high standard for all of his teammates to follow,” Hartley said.
“On the field we are really pleased with Sam’s versatility, poise and endurance. We are looking forward to seeing what he can achieve in the coming years.”
Hartley added that the Club was thrilled by the prospect of Clarke, Brown, Banks, Sonsie and Gibcus continuing to develop together.
“We are delighted to have these five boys commit to the Club until 2025. Each are an important part of our future and these contract extensions show our confidence in them.”
