Griffith’s 19-year-old sporting prodigy Nathan Richards has missed out on being picked up at Friday night’s AFL draft, but will have a second chance at an AFL career at the rookie draft on Monday night.
“I had my fingers crossed on Friday, but I hadn’t played that many games this season so I wasn’t super confident… I hadn’t had much of a chance to impress the talent scouts,” he said.
“I’m a lot more confident about being picked on Monday night”.
Friday night’s AFL Draft was the first time since 2012 that no AFL Riverina talent were selected.
The Griffith Swans junior was invited to test at the state combine in Melbourne last month after spending the season based in Sydney.
Richards moved to Sydney to spend the season with GWS, playing in the NEAFL, where he managed seven games before injury struck.
“If it doesn’t work out on Monday, I have a Plan B… I'll look to play in the NEAFL”.
“I won’t let Friday’s result get me down, I’ll always remain positive”.
The NEAFL is a second tier league which sits just below the AFL. It features the reserve teams of four AFL clubs, and provides further opportunity to be spotted and make the big league.
Richards said he’s happy to play anywhere in Australia, and has no fears of leaving home at young age.
Wagga Tigers’ Brendan Myers was considered the Riverina region’s best chance at Friday night’s draft, but also missed out.
The Rookie Draft is on at 5.10pm on Monday.
