The work Mabior Chol has been doing throughout the pre-season, as part of Richmond’s ruck group, held him in good stead in last Saturday’s JLT Community Series clash with Essendon at Wangaratta.
When premiership ruckman Toby Nankervis was sidelined after copping a heavy knock to his head, Chol got the call-up from coach Damien Hardwick to replace him.
And the exciting, young rookie didn’t let his coach down, playing a valuable role in the Tigers’ big win.
Chol’s statistical numbers weren’t startling – seven disposals, three clearances, 10 hit-outs and one goal – but it was the way he went about his business as the team’s No. 1 ruckman that was particularly eye-catching.
He leapt high at the centre bounces to win hit-outs and several times followed up with impressive second efforts at ground level that highlighted his excellent mobility for a player 200cm tall.
Chol told ‘Roar Vision’ that he’d relished his summer ruck education.
“I’ve been getting help a lot from ‘Nank’ (Toby Nankervis) and Ivan Maric as well . . . It’s been really good,” Chol told ‘Roar Vision’.
He outlined the sound advice he’d received from the recently-retired Maric.
“Just being really physical in the ruck, how to win my tap-out, and then playing to my strength once the ball hits the ground,” he said.
“So it’s been really handy over the summer and very excited to see what I can do . . .”
Chol also has turned to star key forward teammate Jack Riewoldt for goalkicking advice, and it’s already paying dividends with the 21-year-old splitting the big sticks from a set shot at Wangaratta last Saturday.
“With my goalkicking technique, probably my ball drop was the main focus, and Jack’s been really handy with that,” he said.
Essendon great and respected football commentator Tim Watson believes Chol has the necessary attributes to cement a spot in the Tigers’ senior line-up during the 2018 season.
“I think he has something and can fit into that side,” Watson said on SEN.
“He can play as a back-up ruckman at a pinch, he has great mobility, he can play forward and in the backline.
“I think by the end of the year, he will be in Richmond’s best team because of the flexibility he provides.”
Chol, who has played one senior game with the Tigers, is entering his third season of AFL football.
