A calculated decision to dedicate 2014 to achieving his dream of playing in the AFL, has paid off for new Richmond recruit Nathan Drummond.

The Tigers’ third pick in the National Draft (selection 52 overall) played as a 19-year-old in the TAC Cup with the Murray Bushrangers, after missing out on being drafted the previous year.

He caught the eye of several Clubs after winning Murray’s Best and Fairest, and attending the national combine.

But it was Richmond, with whom he played three VFL games this season, which swooped with its third pick.

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“It was a big relief for me.  It’s all been worth it this year,” Drummond said.

“Taking another year in the TAC Cup, coming home and putting your life on hold and not going to uni for a year, has probably made it all worth it for me.

“But I haven’t really made it yet.  I’ve just started my career.  Hopefully it’s a long one.

“I guess the hard work starts now.  What I’ve done in the past doesn’t really matter now.  It’s all about what I do from here on in.”

Drummond settled into life as a Richmond player by sharing accommodation with defender Dylan Grimes, who was one of the first senior players he met in the days following the Draft.

“I met ‘Grimesy’ and he took us for a tour.  It’s good that I get to know him a bit better,” he said.

“He’s a really good leader, and knows a lot about the game.

“All of the boys are making me feel really comfortable, along with all the other draftees.  They’re all great people.”