Tough, talented midfielder Jack Graham has struck a rich vein of form since being recalled to Richmond’s senior side a month ago for the Round 12 clash with Gold Coast at the Gabba.
In the six games during that time, Graham is averaging 18.1 disposals, 4.3 tackles, 3.6 inside-50s, 2.6 clearances, 4.8 score involvements and 297.3 metres gained per match.
Graham, who was a member of the Tigers’ 2017 premiership team, and unlucky to miss last year’s flag triumph after suffering a shoulder injury in the preliminary final victory over Geelong, has become a more attacking player over the course of the past few weeks.
His trademark strong defensive pressure remains as rock-solid ever, as evidenced by the game-high eight tackles he had in Richmond’s victory over Adelaide at Adelaide Oval yesterday, but he’s also now racking up impressive disposal numbers and providing opportunities for teammates with creative play through the midfield.
A particularly impressive aspect of Graham’s game is his quality delivery of ball inside the Tigers’ forward-50 area. He invariably hits his teammate target to set up a Richmond shot for goal.
The 22-year-old exerted a significant influence throughout the final home-and-away round match against the Crows. He had 21 disposals, four inside-50s, three clearances, three intercepts, five score involvements and 368 metres gained, to go with his game-high eight tackles.
Graham goes into Richmond’s 2020 finals campaign on a high, but he is definitely not the type of character to rest on his laurels. He’s sure to be striving as hard as ever to help the Tigers achieve success in October, and he has the football attributes to do just that.
