Richmond is trialling three players, as part of its pre-season training squad, with one of them to fill the remaining spot on the Club’s rookie list.
This year, the AFL introduced a training squad selection draft, whereby clubs could leave one rookie position open following the rookie draft, to be filled after the NAB Cup grand final, and before the start of the 2011 premiership season.
Clubs were permitted to trial up to three players for that one rookie vacancy, with only Richmond and Hawthorn taking up the opportunity.
The Tigers have chosen Travis Casserly, Liam Corrie and Mitch Keddell to train with their squad throughout the pre-season.
Under the AFL’s rules, training squad draftees are eligible to train with their club at any time during the pre-season and may play NAB Cup and NAB Challenge matches.
Here’s a summary of Richmond’s three training squad draftees by the Tiger recruiting department . . .
TRAVIS CASSERLY
Date of Birth: 20/5/87
Height: 187cm
Weight: 82kg
Club: Swan Districts (WA)
Position: Rebounding defender
Travis will be well known to the Tiger faithful after spending three luckless years at the Club from 2006-08.
We have continued to monitor Travis’ progress over the past couple of years, and he has finally had some continuity with his football, playing two full seasons at WAFL club Swan Districts, including a key role in their thrilling one-point grand final victory over Claremont this year.
Travis has continued to develop as a player, while still displaying the exciting football traits he has always had - speed, run-and-carry, and penetrating kicking.
We feel Travis, at 23 years of age, is ready and deserving of another chance to prove he is ready for a return to AFL level.
LIAM CORRIE
Date of Birth: 15/6/92
Club: South Adelaide (SA)
Height: 178cm
Weight: 74kg
Position: Small forward
Liam has had an injury-interrupted couple of years, with some knee and hamstring issues, but we have continued to keep a close eye on him, due to his sheer talent
He was in the SA State under-18s squad in 2009 and played senior league football for South Adelaide in 2009 as a 16-year-old.
His 2010 season was restricted to a handful of appearances at colts level, but he is now returning to full fitness.
Liam is an outstanding tackler, who enjoys the physical aspects of the game and creates real nervousness in opposition backlines. He is a good left-foot kick and has the leap and athleticism to be dangerous overhead.
We look forward to Liam working on his fitness and putting forward his case for a spot on our rookie list over the next few months.
MITCH KEDDELL
Date of Birth: 7/8/88
Club: Port Melbourne
Height: 186cm
Weight: 90kg
Position: Midfielder
Mitch showed strong improvement in his football this year, following his move from Williamstown to Port Melbourne.
He played some outstanding VFL football, particularly in the middle of the year, and displayed elite foot skills.
Mitch also tested well at State screening this year, with a 2.97 20-metre time trial, as well as a strong agility performance.
While Mitch is 22 years old, we feel he could develop enormously in the full-time AFL environment, and we are pleased to give him the opportunity to push his case for a spot on our rookie list, over the coming months.
