Speed figured prominently on the list of priorities for Richmond’s recruiting team going into the recent AFL National and Rookie Drafts.

The Tigers were keen to inject some more pace into their playing stocks and, therefore, were attracted to Northern Knights’ dashing defender Jason Castagna, who they subsequently claimed with their second selection (No. 29 overall) in the Rookie Draft.

Castagna is quick out of the blocks – so quick, in fact, that he competed in the famous Stawell Gift, as a 16-year-old, acquitting himself admirably.

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It’s Australian Football, however, which has fast become Castagna’s forte.

He has gone from just being a solid performer in junior football ranks, to a young player with plenty of upside.

Castagna’s development saw him win selection for Vic Metro in this year’s under-18 championships.

Vic Metro coach David Flood cast Castagna in a new role as a rebounding defender, and he excelled, playing five of the team’s six games, averaging 14 disposals per match, with a 73% efficiency rate.

At the conclusion of Vic Metro’s campaign, Castagna was awarded the coaches award.

“He just kept improving through the whole carnival,” Flood said.

“Each game, he just got 2% better.

“He plays with enormous energy and I think he’s got great potential to continue to improve.”