Talented half-back flanker Derek Eggmolesse-Smith will make his senior debut for Richmond in Saturday afternoon’s match against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.
Eggmolesse-Smith, 180cm and 80kg, was the first player drafted under Richmond’s Next Generation Academy program when he was selected in the 2018 Rookie Draft.
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The 21-year-old has been elevated to the senior side following impressive recent VFL form, where he is averaging 19 disposals per game.
A Mildura product, the zippy defender’s pinpoint left-foot kick is one of his biggest strengths.
Recently retired premiership Tiger Shaun Grigg spoke highly of Eggmolesse-Smith’s progress in a recent edition of Talking Tigers, praising his work ethic and professionalism.
“He’s been super again this year,” Grigg said.
“He backs himself in, takes them on, and the defensive side of his game is good.”
Eggmolesse-Smith has been promoted from Richmond's Category B Rookie List to the Primary List as a replacement for Alex Rance, with Rance placed on the Long Term Injury List.
View this post on InstagramEggcellent news - @derek_eggmolessesmith43 will make his debut against the Suns! #gotiges
Richmond has made just one change for the Suns’ clash, as Josh Caddy comes out of the side with a leg injury.
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Richmond’s four emergencies for the Gold Coast game are Maverick Weller, Jack Higgins, Connor Menadue and Callum Coleman-Jones.
Saturday’s match at Metricon Stadium kicks off at 2.10pm.
Richmond’s Round 16 team:
B David Astbury, Nathan Broad, Dylan Grimes
HB Bachar Houli, Nick Vlastuin, Jayden Short
C Kamdyn McIntosh, Dion Prestia, Jason Castagna
HF Daniel Rioli, Shai Bolton, Kane Lambert
F Shane Edwards, Sydney Stack, Tom Lynch
Foll Ivan Soldo, Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin
I/C Derek Eggmolesse-Smith, Jack Graham, Brandon Ellis, Mabior Chol
Emg Maverick Weller, Jack Higgins, Connor Menadue, Callum Coleman-Jones
In: Derek Eggmolesse-Smith
Out: Josh Caddy (leg)
New: Derek Eggmolesse-Smith (Wentworth (NSW)/Bendigo U18)
