Richmond has selected powerful midfielder/forward Sam Lalor with the first pick overall at tonight’s Telstra AFL Draft.
Lalor, 18, joins Richmond from Greater Western Victoria Rebels and Vic Country via Bacchus Marsh and Geelong Grammar.
The 188cm powerfully built prospect becomes Richmond’s first No. 1 pick since Brett Deledio in 2004.
Lalor has the ability to play highly impactful roles in the midfield and forward, drawing comparisons to some of the AFL’s best game-breaking talents.
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The new Tiger averaged 23 disposals, 5.8 marks and six inside 50s per game for the Rebels at Coates Talent League level this year, also standing out as a dynamic forward for Vic Country.
Lalor booted three goals in each of Vic Country’s final two matches of the National Championships, displaying eye-catching traits such as his pure strength around the contested ball, cleanliness, strong marking, tackling ability and neat kicking.
Seven second-half goals in a match for Geelong Grammar against Wesley College in the strong APS competition were another example of the exciting youngsters' ability to dominate in the forward half.
A talented sportsman, Lalor was also a hard-hitting top-order batsman for Vic Country at underage level, with 2024 his first season solely committed to football.
Richmond Victorian Recruiting Manager Rhy Gieschen said that Lalor stood out with his class and power whenever he was on the field.
“Sam is a classic modern-day power mid/forward who can win his own ball in the midfield and go forward and hit the scoreboard and be an extremely difficult matchup,” he said.
“He is a really natural footballer, with great football IQ and strong fundamental skills. He kicks well on both feet, can distribute by left and right hand equally, wins contested ball, is super clean at ground level, and has a point of difference with his overhead marking and scoreboard impact.
“Sam’s tackling is also a real feature of his game, along with his competitive nature.”
The AFL’s newest number one draft pick has also displayed leadership skills throughout his sporting journey, captaining representative teams in football and cricket.
“We are excited for Sam to be able to come in and contribute to the culture of our Club and look forward to watching him flourish in our environment,” Gieschen said.
“We feel like Sam will be an extremely popular and respected member of our side and he will excite our fans with his talent.”
