Thirty-four days after becoming a Richmond AFL player, powerful utility Mykelti Lefau will make his league debut in Round 2.
Lefau was elevated from the Tigers' VFL program on the eve of the 2024 season as part of the AFL's Pre-Season Supplementary Selection Period.
The 25-year-old now gets his chance on the big stage against Port Adelaide this Sunday at the MCG, after an impressive, and unique, ascend up the ranks.
Born in New Zealand, Lefau, who stands at 195cm, moved to Melbourne in 2012 and was initially a member of the Melbourne Storm development squad.
After shifting his attention to Australian rules, Lefau produced an eye-catching 25-goal display in the U/19s for St Kilda City in 2016.
This led to a contract at Casey VFL for 2017, where he played in the VFL Grand Final and also represented New Zealand against the AIS on two occasions.
Lefau was an exciting addition to the Tigers' VFL side in 2022, but ruptured his ACL in Round 7 of that season.
He took the setback in his stride and returned to play halfway through the 2023 VFL season, and has continued to flourish ever since.
The athletic Tiger, who'll be the Club's second AFL debutant of the season, has delivered all over the ground with his speed, strength and agility.
After booting two goals in the opening half of Richmond VFL's practice match against Carlton Reserves last Thursday, VFL coach Steve Morris said Lefau was in "outstanding form".
"He's bringing his training form to games and competing really well in the air," Morris said.
"But also putting pressure on at ground level. He kicked a beautiful snap goal in the first half."
