Richmond continued its top-end haul by selecting 195cm midfielder Josh Smillie with pick No. 7 in the 2024 AFL Draft.
The Eastern Ranges product adds size, skill, and leadership to the Tigers' growing crop of young talent, making him a crucial piece in the club's rebuild.
Renowned for his poise, agility, and stoppage craft, Smillie emerged as one of the most versatile midfielders in this year's draft class.
Averaging 26 disposals and 16 goals across the Coates Talent League season, the 18-year-old showcased his ability to dominate both inside and outside the contest.
His standout performance against the Brisbane Lions Academy โ where he collected 34 disposals and kicked three goals โ solidified his status as a top-tier prospect.
After his selection, Smillie expressed his excitement about joining the Tigers and praised the professionalism of the club.
โI was lucky enough to meet with them twice throughout the year and had really good conversations with them,โ Smillie said.
He is particularly eager to reunite with his close friend, Sam Lalor, the No. 1 pick in the draft.
โCan't wait to begin and start playing with Sammy; he's a great mate of mine and we get along like a house on fire.โ
Throughout his draft journey, Smillie has drawn on advice from Carlton captain Patrick Cripps, who has been a mentor to the young midfielder.
โHe's sat me down and gone over a few things that can benefit me,โ Smillie revealed.
โThings like staying away from social media and playing footy because I love the game and not going away from that.โ
This grounded approach, combined with support from those closest to him, helped Smillie navigate the mental challenges of his draft year.
โKeeping close with people around me and only worrying about what they have to say has helped me throughout the year,โ he said.
While Smillie aims to establish himself as a midfielder, he remains open to playing any role the team requires.
โI'll definitely strive to play midfield, hopefully, but at the end of the day, it's whatever the coach wants me to play,โ he said.
โI want to strive and train as hard as I can to hopefully get to play Round 1.โ
Richmond's Victorian Recruiting Manager, Rhy Gieschen, described Smillie as a โsuper exciting prospectโ with the attributes of a modern inside midfielder.
โJosh is much respected by his peers and coaches due to his hard-working and team-orientated approach to the game,โ Gieschen said.
โHis field kicking for a big inside mid is a real point of difference, with great touch, class, and penetration.โ
Richmond's draft class, which includes Lalor and several other promising talents, has positioned the club for an exciting rebuild. With Smillie now in the fold, the Tigers are on the hunt for a bright 2025 season.
