In a special series leading up to the 2017 AFL national draft, richmondfc.com.au takes a look back at the Tigers’ construction of their drought-breaking premiership team this year via the competition’s main talent acquisition pathway throughout the past decade. This afternoon, we focus on Kamdyn McIntosh’s drafting to Tigerland.
Kamdyn McIntosh, a hard-running, young defender from WAFL club Peel Thunder, was Richmond’s second selection (No. 31 overall) in the 2012 national draft.
McIntosh had attracted the attention of the Tiger talent scouts through his first-rate running ability and foot skills.
He produced some impressive performances for WA during the under-18 national championships that year and also graduated into the senior ranks at Peel Thunder later in the season.
At the AFL draft combine post-season, McIntosh further pressed his draft claims, finishing third in the beep test, fourth in the three-kilometre time trial and equal-seventh in the kicking efficiency test.
Here’s what the Richmond recruiters had to say about McIntosh after securing his services in the national draft . . .
“Kamdyn is a close-checking, disciplined defender, who can play on all sizes, whether it be tall, medium or small forwards, to a high level.
“He finished the season really strongly and showed strong progress in his offensive game in the second half of the season, displaying an increased willingness to shift off his man and generate some drive.
“His ball use out of the back half is a highlight . . . for a tall he uses it really well by both hand and foot.
“He also has really impressive closing speed and above average athleticism, allowing him to stick with his man.
“With his excellent endurance, he can go all day.
“He’s just one of those guys you can give a role to and he will complete it . . . no fuss, he gets the job done. Sometimes, with defenders, that’s all you need.
“Also, late in the season, he showed some ability to push up onto a wing and play some good footy, proving that he has a few different strings to his bow.
“Kamdyn is a great competitor one-on-one and, combined with his size and running ability, is ideally suited to modern-day AFL football.
Kamdyn McIntosh AFL fact file
Debut: Round 1, 2013 v Carlton, MCG
Games: 53 games
Goals: 10 goals
Honours: Winner of the 2015 Cosgrove-Jenkins award as Richmond’s best first year player, member of the Tigers’ 2017 premiership team
