We continue our special off-season series at richmondfc.com.au, with Richmond’s VFL coach Tim Clarke assessing the 2013 form and future prospects of those young Tigers, who played under him at Coburg this year.  Today, he looks at defender Ben Darrou . . .

Ben Darrou profile

Born:  25/11/93

Height:  190cm

Weight:  97kg

Recruited from:  Ormond (Vic)/Wesley College (Vic)/Sandringham Dragons TAC Cup team

Draft history:  Selected by Richmond at pick 25 overall in the 2012 rookie draft

Tim Clarke says:  “The development coaches sat down with Ben before the season and told him he was going to be our full-back for the year at VFL level. 

He wasn’t sure about it because he’s a bit of a shy kid, who doesn’t assert himself enough.  But he took the challenge on board and I think if he didn’t miss five weeks with a broken jaw, he would have won the best and fairest at VFL level. 

Ben was outstanding.  He not only beat his opponent every week, he also averaged 20-23 touches as a full-back, playing on guys like Joe Daniher for Essendon, who made his (AFL) debut a couple of weeks after Ben had kept him goalless. 

He’s really one to watch.  I can see him being the full-back at AFL level.  He just needs to get his athletic ability to match what he’s like as a footballer and match his drive.  If he can do that, he’s going to be a real player for us.”