Richmond’s Recruiting Manager Francis Jackson provides a summary of the three players the Tigers picked up in last night’s 2016 National Draft . . .

Shai Bolton, small forward (South Fremantle, WAFL)
“Shai’s a really exciting player, who played for the South Fremantle Colts.  He brings a lot of flair, genuine speed, and ability to make things happen.  He had a really good (under-18s) national carnival and also played well in the All Stars game (at Punt Road on Grand Final eve) . . . I think he kicked 37 goals in the Colts competition (in the 2016 season), so he’ll be a genuine excitement machine playing up forward . . . At this stage last year, we wouldn’t have thought Daniel (Rioli) would have the impact and play as many games as he did (during 2016).  So, we really look forward to Shai being able to emulate Daniel’s feats.”

Jack Graham, inside midfielder (North Adelaide, SANFL)
“Jack had a wonderful (under-18s) national carnival (captain of SA, winner of the Larke Medal and All-Australian representative).  His work ethic and competitiveness are outstanding.  He works really hard and is a leader, who just leads with great example.  He’s really hard in the contest, yet he’s an outstanding runner.  He’s played against men, so (at Richmond) he’ll play in the midfield and win a lot of contested footy – clearances, inside stuff.  But he’s an elite runner as well.  So that really gives him a point of difference.”

Ryan Garthwaite, tall defender (GWS Academy member/Murray Bushrangers, TAC Cup)
“I love Ryan’s competitiveness. He hates losing and is rarely beaten.  He’s very versatile.  He’s about 193 (cm), but also can play on the ‘smalls’.  He had a terrific year with the Bushrangers, particularly in the finals.  I think the (TAC Cup) grand final was his best game, which really is a great feat, to play your best game of the year in a grand final – the biggest game.  He has a little bit of work to do with his kicking technique, but we think we can modify that . . . He’ll be a really dour defender that rarely gets beaten.  We did expect GWS to take him at some stage, so we’re delighted that they didn’t . . . They left him for us, which was very fortunate.”