Jake King has become an important goalkicking weapon for Richmond since making the switch from defence to attack late last season.
King has kicked 16 goals in his last nine games and has had multiple goal hauls on six occasions.
He scored 12 goals in the Tigers’ last seven games of the 2010 season, to finish equal fifth overall on the Club’s goalkicking list for the year.
In two appearances this season (he missed the opening round due to suspension), King has booted four goals - two against St Kilda in Round 2, and another two against Hawthorn, in last Saturday night’s Round 3 clash with Hawthorn. He is equal second on Richmond’s 2011 goalkicking list (with Ty Vickery), three goals behind Jack Riewoldt.
So, not only is King applying his trademark pressure to the opposition in his role as a defensive forward, but he’s hitting the scoreboard, too, making him a particularly valuable member of the Tiger team.
To further underline how well King has adapted to his new role, Collingwood’s rising star small forward, Jarryd Blair, has kicked 17 goals from his 15 league games, and he’s (rightly) winning acclaim as a “pocket rocket” in attack for the reigning premier.
Jake King is a fair bit older and more experienced than Blair, but his value to Richmond, right now, is no less significant.
