Richmond’s first pick in the 2013 National Draft, Ben Lennon, reflects on his drafting and time at Tigerland over the past 12 months . . .

Pre-draft memories
“I just remember feeling excited . . . I was always thinking about the draft.  Now, a year on, it’s gone so quickly.  I can’t believe it’s already been a year.”

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The big day
“The day, itself, took forever.  I remember waiting and waiting all day, just to finally hear your name get read out. I couldn’t be happier when I heard it was Richmond.  The day was a blur, looking back, but one of the greatest days I’ve ever experienced.”

Dreaming of a Tigerland home
“I really wanted to go to Richmond before the draft.  I did a week with the AIS here at Richmond and loved all the facilities and all the guys here.  I worked with ‘Lids’ (Brett Deledio) quite a bit, so I think he was pretty happy that I got read out at pick 12 . . .  It was really good to form a relationship before I actually got to the Club.  To know someone at training, and to look up to, was really good as well.  So, to get here, was a dream come true.”

Yellow and Black whirlwind
“I remember the first few days after the draft was a bit of a whirlwind, just getting a lot of text messages and phone calls from different people.  And then, come the Monday, it was straight into training.  I didn’t really get to think about it too much . . . it was into footy and it was really good.”

Next goal
“Yeah, I think I’ve made progress.  I’ve gotten a lot bigger since I got here, and learned a lot of the structures, and what it takes to play AFL footy.  So, hopefully next year, I can play a few more games and cement a spot in the team.”

Tiger cubs’ guidance
“Advice I’d give to the new players that come through, is just put your head down, work hard, and try and earn the respect of your teammates as quickly as possible, because it goes a fair way if you’ve got the respect.  So, head down, bum up, and just enjoy it.”