Star Richmond defender Dylan Grimes will reach the AFL 150-game milestone in Friday night’s preliminary final against Geelong at the MCG.
Grimes, who was Richmond’s first pick (No. 2 overall) in the AFL pre-season draft at the end of 2009, made his senior debut with the Tigers in the final home-and-away round of the 2010 season against Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium.
For the next three years, however, he was plagued with injuries, predominantly hamstring trouble.
From 2011-13, Grimes managed to play just 25 out of a possible 67 senior games for Richmond.
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Eventually he was able to overcome his hamstring issues, and he’s since gone on to become one of the most important members of the Tigers’ team.
He played a key role in Richmond’s 2017 premiership triumph, and his value within the line-up has increased further this season with outstanding key defender Alex Rance sidelined due to a serious knee injury.
Grimes, who has thrived on the extra responsibility, is averaging 13.1 disposals, 5.1 marks, 3.0 rebound-50s, 7.1 intercepts and 6.5 one-percenters in season 2019. Competition-wide, he is ranked ninth for intercepts and 12th for one-percenters.
And, after being so highly regarded at Tigerland for many seasons, he received due recognition outside the Club, receiving his first All-Australian blazer.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick recently paid tribute to Grimes for taking his game to an even higher level this season in Rance’s absence.
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“Dylan’s ability to win contests, and his ability to control the backline, has really improved this year with Alex taking a step out of the side . . . He’s an incredible talent, outstanding leader, outstanding person,” Hardwick said.
“If people watch him and what he can do, how he can close space and get to a contest that he shouldn’t, he’s right up there with Rance . . .
“He’s incredibly important to us.
“Great human and great player.”
