Richmond has snared livewire former Brisbane Lions small forward Todd Banfield with its first pick in today’s (Wednesday, November 27) AFL Rookie Draft.

Banfield, 23, 183cm and 83kg, was delisted by Brisbane at the end of the 2013 season.

He had played 53 and kicked 57 goals with the Lions after making his AFL debut in 2010.

Originally from WAFL club Swan Districts, Banfield booted 27 goals in the 2010 season, and followed that up with 24 goals the following year.

Injury problems, however, restricted him to just 12 senior appearances and six goals for Brisbane in 2012.

He subsequently spent the entire 2013 season with Brisbane’s reserve-grade side in the NEAFL.

The Tigers believe Banfield can provide them with a valuable option up forward due to his blistering pace, attack on the ball, hard tackling and goalkicking ability.