Richmond’s second pick (No. 53 overall) in the 2016 AFL National Draft, tough inside midfielder Jack Graham, from SANFL club North Adelaide, caught up with ‘Roar Vision’ towards the end of his first week at Punt Road.  Here’s what he had to say about his transition to Tigerland.

Thrilled to be a Tiger

“It’s still soaking in, but the time at the Club so far has been unreal . . . just loving every minute of it.”

Nerves kicked in on Draft night

“I was at home with family just watching it on TV.  It was a very nervous wait, especially after being told by clubs, ‘We’re going to pick you up around this mark, and we consider you around this pick’.”

Starring in the 2016 under-18 national championships

“The champs were unreal.  I managed to hit some good form (as SA’s captain) and play some good footy.  And I walked away winning the Larke Medal (for being best player throughout the series).  I was just hungry to play footy and absolutely honoured to win it.”

His playing style

“Just hard at the ball, in and under.  I like contested possessions, but also a mix and match of inside and outside play.”

Learning the midfield ropes from Martin, Cotchin and co.

“Just follow them around training and get the grips how they go about their football and how I can bring that into my game . . .   ’Cotch’ only came in today for his first day, but said hello to us.  And I’ve had a couple of kicks with Dustin, which is good . . . kicking with someone that you’ve always looked up to.”

Pre-season goals

“Just get as fit as I can, and earn the respect of all the boys, the coaches and all the staff.  Then, just put my best foot forward and try and aim for that spot to play Round 1.  That’s the goal. It’s pretty high, but I like to set them high, so I can achieve them.”

Teaming up with Oleg Markov again

“I played about three years with him . . . through the juniors (at North Adelaide). It’s good coming into the Club knowing someone. They show you around and introduce you to people.  It helps a lot.”