Richmond AFLW midfield coach Jacob Thompson provides Richmond Media with an insight into the impressive development of Richmond's first ever draft selection, midfielder Sophie Molan.

Initial impressions

"It was more about her character than what she was doing on-field. She interviewed really well and comes from a really good family, which came through in the interview process. Then you pair that together with what she was able to do on-field, it puts a pretty impressive case forward."

Pre-season development

"At the start she (was) a bit interrupted with a foot injury but since she's been able to join in the main group she's gone from strength to strength, which has been really good."

Popular playing group member

"Her character is really starting to shine through a little bit more, which is easier to integrate into a group. She's been around a fair few sporting set-ups with her basketball background, and she's a bit of a duck to water with that sort of stuff."

Playing football since Auskick 

"We're starting to see that generation come through that have played footy since the age of six. It holds them in good stead once they get here and their skill-set is a lot more developed than some of the girls that are still learning the game."

First two AFLW matches

"(In a) first game, most first kicks aren't too memorable, but hers (was) for me. Just her ability to look off the line, which was good. A lot of girls (kicked the ball) skinny in that first game so to look lateral and bring the ball back inside showed me that she wasn't overawed by the situation and was able to carry out what the coaches wanted from her."

Leadership traits

"We've got some pretty good leaders here at the minute that are bringing her along, and she's starting to find her feet in that regard and she's becoming more of an on-field leader. Now that we've starting playing we'll start seeing that a bit more. There's going to be opportunities down the track no doubt."