In its first deal of the 2011 trade period, Richmond has snared Steven Morris, the son of dual Tiger premiership player Kevin Morris.

The Tigers secured the services of the mature-age recruit from SANFL club West Adelaide via a deal with Greater Western Sydney.

Under rules introduced for the fledgling AFL club, GWS had claims on Morris, as a player, who had previously nominated for the National Draft.

The 22-year-old, who excelled in defence for West Adelaide throughout the 2011 season, trained with Richmond earlier this year while the Club considered the possibility of drafting him under the AFL’s father-son rule.

Such a move, however, could have cost the Tigers a second-round draft selection, given the interest also shown in him by Port Adelaide. 

So, they agreed to exchange their first-round draft pick - No. 14 overall - for GWS’s pick No. 15, and Morris now finds himself at the club where his father played 110 games and kicked 71 goals in a successful career from 1971-76, highlighted by the back-to-back premierships of 1973-74, and the Tigers’ Best and Fairest award in 1975.

Morris, who  joined West Adelaide four years ago, after playing TAC Cup football with the Western Jets, had a breakout season in the SANFL this year, averaging more than 18 disposals per game and earning plaudits for his fierce attack on the ball, commitment to the contest, and ability to break the lines with his foot speed.  

He was ranked in the top three in the competition for rebounds from the defensive 50 area, and capped his season by winning selection in the SANFL’s Team of the Year.

“Steven's got a really strong, mature body.  And, even though he’s just 22, he's played senior footy for quite a while now at a good standard, said Richmond’s General Manager of Football, Craig Cameron.  

“He's tenacious and courageous and gives it everything he's got.

“Another plus with him is his versatility.  He can also be used in the midfield, or as a defensive forward.

“We believe that he’ll blend in really well with our playing group and help boost our depth.

“We were pleased with the cooperation and professionalism of Greater Western Sydney, who helped to get the deal done.”

Steve Morris Fact File
D.O.B: 31/12/1988
Height: 185cm
Weight: 84kg
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