Patrick Naish capped a tremendous couple of months with his selection by Richmond in last Friday night’s 2017 AFL national draft.
On Saturday, September 30, he joined the legion of Yellow and Black barrackers in celebrating the Club’s glorious Grand Final victory over Adelaide that broke a 37-year premiership drought.
The talented teenager now is headed to the Swinburne Centre at Punt Road Oval, to train and play alongside his football heroes, after being taken at pick 34 overall in the national draft, as the Tigers’ first father-son selection since Tom Roach in 2003.
His father, Chris, had a fine 143-game career at Richmond from 1990-97.
VIDEO: Another Naish at Tigerland
“I’m just over the moon. I sort of had an idea what was going to happen, but for my dream to have finally come true, it’s amazing,” Naish told ‘Roar Vision’.
Naish thrived in the two pre-seasons he spent with the Tigers and is eagerly awaiting his transition to AFL football.
“That was unreal, just to get a feel of everything and get to meet players,” he said.
“I loved the experience there and I’m stoked that I can do it full-time now.”
Naish paid a glowing tribute to his father, Chris, for the strong encouragement he had continually provided him with.
“He’s unbelievable,” Naish said.
“The support he’s given me, on and off the field, I can’t thank him enough.
“He’s been a massive support for me and everyone else in the family.”
Chris Naish expressed immense delight and pride in Patrick’s drafting by his old club . . .
“It’s a great moment for the family and something Patrick’s always wanted to do . . . Like him, we’re a bit over the moon, to be honest,” he told ‘Fox Footy’.
