Richmond has bolstered its key forward stocks with the addition of emerging big man Jacob Koschitzke.
The Club completed a trade with Hawthorn on the final day of the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period, parting ways with pick No.49 in the 2023 AFL Draft in exchange for the 23-year-old.
Koschitzke has spent the past five years at Hawthorn since being selected with pick No. 52 at the 2018 AFL National Draft from Murray Bushrangers and Albury.
The 198cm key position player had to bide his time in the VFL for his first two seasons, where he was used predominantly in defence.
Koschitzke had a standout pre-season as a marking forward in 2021, booting six goals in a pre-season game against North Melbourne and earning an AFL debut in Round 1.
The youngster had his best season at AFL level, booting 27 goals across 20 matches, including a five-goal haul against Adelaide in just his fifth match.
Koschitzke received a NAB Rising Star nomination for the performance, which provided a glimpse into his capability as an imposing target inside 50.
Koschitzke has averaged better than a goal a game over 48 matches in the AFL.
Richmond General Manager- Football Talent Blair Hartley said Koschitzke would add to the Tigers’ goal-kicking options.
“We are pleased to add Jacob to our key position stocks for the upcoming season; he has a strong aerial presence and has shown an ability to perform well at AFL level,” Hartley said.
“Jacob has only scratched the surface of what he could develop into as a player, and at only 23, we are very excited he has decided to join our Club.”
Richmond now holds selections 29, 41, 65 and 68 in this year's Draft, and Fremantle's Round Two selection and Port Adelaide's Round Four selection in the 2024 AFL Draft.
