In a special series leading into next week’s AFL national and rookie drafts, Richmond Media is reflecting on those members of the Tigers’ 2020 premiership team who have proven to be brilliant, bargain-basement buys for the Club. Our specific focus is on the start of their journey into AFL ranks and at Tigerland. First-up today is star triple premiership defender Dylan Grimes.
AFL.com.au article: Dylan Grimes in his own words before the 2009 national draft
What type of player are you?
Key-position defender that runs off and can use his pace in the midfield. Plays a lot as a “shut-down” type player but likes running off the lines and attacking as well. Not particularly solid, so I use my run and jump rather than body on body.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Probably Harry Taylor – he is a young, developing backman, who uses his pace and judgment to counter-attack and be a good “three-way-player”.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
Probably leg speed and versatility as a defender in that I can play on a tall, marking forward or crumbing, resting midfielder.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Probably my forward skills. I haven't had a lot of experience there but would definitely like to develop that area of my game.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
Passionate Melbourne supporter. I have barracked for them all my life and, after my brother Jack got drafted to them, it made me follow them even closer.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
Probably my brother Jack, or Denis Pagan. I have been pretty close with Jack since we were young, and I have learned a lot from his experience. Denis was my coach at the Knights this year and he has passed a lot of his experience and wisdom as a player and a coach to me as a person and a footballer.
Herald Sun article on Grimes just before the 2010 pre-season draft
“It's believed the Tigers will use their pre-season pick on Northern Knights defender Dylan Grimes, who has been one of a dozen hopefuls training with the club during the past fortnight.
Grimes, the brother of star Melbourne half-back Jack, is a quick 193cm, 82kg defender renowned for his closing speed.
The 18-year-old was surprisingly overlooked in last month's national draft, despite assurances from one Melbourne-based club that it would draft him.
Grimes said last night he was rapt to be given a chance to impress at Punt Rd.
“I'd love to play for Richmond, and if they'd like to have me there, then that would be good,” he said.
“Obviously I was pretty disappointed after the draft, and luckily Richmond gave me a call pretty much straight afterwards. It's amazing how quickly the boys make you feel at home and how they embrace you.
“Even though I've only been there two weeks I almost feel part of the group. It makes you want it more after missing out on the (national) draft.”
Grimes made his AFL debut with Richmond in the final home-and-away round of the 2010 season against Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium.
The Tigers trailed by 53 points at half-time, but stormed home to hit the front in the last quarter before the Power steadied and ran out 10-point winners.
It was a modest first-up performance by the then 19-year-old at the game’s highest level – just five disposals (two kicks, three handballs) and one mark.
After suffering a horror injury run (predominantly hamstring problems) over the course of the next few seasons, Grimes subsequently blossomed into a crucial member of Richmond’s line-up, and one of the best backmen in the competition.
Dylan Grimes fact file
Draft history: Richmond’s first pick (No. 2 overall) in the 2010 AFL pre-season draft.
AFL debut: Round 22, 2010 v Port Adelaide, Marvel Stadium.
Total games: 171
Goals: 3
Playing honors: Triple premiership player 2017, 2019, 2020, All-Australian representative 2019, Richmond life member 2017, winner of the AFLPA Robert Rose Most Courageous Player Award 2019.
