It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for new Richmond small forward Todd Banfield . . .

First-up, Banfield was delisted by the Brisbane Lions, after four seasons and 53 games with them, although they did commit to redrafting him at the AFL Rookie Draft.

So, with that pledge from the Lions, Banfield accompanied them on their overseas pre-season camp to Arizona.

All seemed in place for Banfield to be retained by Brisbane as a rookie, until the Tigers swooped at the last minute, taking the livewire, 23-year-old goalkicker with their first pick (No. 11 overall) in the Rookie Draft, held on November 27.

“It was a hectic two or three weeks, but I’m happy to be at Richmond and looking forward to 2014,” Banfield told SEN.

Sign up as a Richmond member for the 2014 season

“The last couple of days were a bit full-on.  Because I was away in America, it was pretty hard to talk to my management, so I wasn’t 100 percent sure (exactly what outside interest was being shown in him).”

Banfield, who is originally from WAFL club Swan Districts, made a significant impression with Brisbane in his 2010 debut season of AFL football, kicking 27 goals.  He followed that up with 24 goals in 2011, further boosting his growing reputation as one of the best, young small forwards in the competition.

But injury problems restricted him to only 12 senior games and six goals with the Lions in 2012, and he spent the entire 2013 season with their reserve-grade side in the NEAFL.

“It’s all on track now (fitness-wise).  I had a bit of an injury halfway through 2012 and then I didn’t crack it for a game this year for the Lions,” Banfield said.

“So, it was a little bit of a frustrating year, but it’s led me to coming to the Tigers now, and I’m happy.  I’m moving down to Melbourne and having a fresh start.”

Banfield, who kicked 57 goals for Brisbane, is seen as a good replacement for departed small Tigers Robin Nahas (North Melbourne) and Matt White (Port Adelaide).

“Richmond have lost two small forwards, so I suppose it opens doors for myself and, hopefully, it works out for the best,” he said.

“I’m happy to see what I can do down there.”