Richmond has selected tall midfielder Josh Smillie with its second pick, No. 7 overall at tonight’s Telstra AFL Draft.
Smillie stands out with his imposing 195cm frame through the midfield, kicking skills, high football IQ and the ability to break tackles. He averaged 26 disposals and booted 16 goals for the Eastern Ranges this year.
The Park Orchards product had his best game of the Coates Talent League season against Brisbane Lions Academy, dominating with 34 disposals and three goals.
Smillie also captained the Australian U/18 team in VFL matches against Coburg and Footscray and averaged 23.5 disposals across the two games.
The 18-year-old ran an impressive 6:38 in the 2km time trial and 8.39 seconds on the agility test at the Draft Combine, excellent results for a player of his height.
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Richmond Victorian Recruiting Manager, Rhy Gieschen said that the Eastern Ranges and AFL Academy captain had an outstanding ability to win the ball on the inside.
“Josh is much respected by his peers and coaches due to his hard-working and team-orientated approach to the game,” Gieschen added.
“He can break tackles and distribute from the source, however he also wins the ball on the outside and can distribute the ball by foot beautifully.
“His field kicking for a big inside mid is a real point of difference, with great touch, class and penetration.”
Smillie’s 16 majors came with just five behinds at Coates Talent League level this year, highlighting his ability to hit the scoreboard with accuracy when drifting forward.
“Josh is a super exciting prospect who fits the bill of the modern-day big inside midfielder,” Gieschen said.
“Just as importantly, he is a high-level character. We are all excited to welcome Josh and his family to the Richmond Football Club.”
