Young Richmond recruit Connor Menadue is pleased he had a familiar face to help through the first few weeks of his life as an AFL player.

The 18-year-old arrived at Tigerland with his Western Jets team-mate, Corey Ellis, after the 2014 draft. 

The pair played together in the TAC Cup for the last two seasons, before both were immediately thrust into the elite environment after the Tigers called their names with their first two selections – 12 and 33. 

“Coming in to Richmond, knowing someone already, was really handy.  I felt a bit more comfortable,” Menadue told Roar Vision. 

“I think going through the TAC Cup, and now to keep going at Richmond, is a big bonus for each other.” 

All but one of Richmond’s eight new recruits from the national or rookie drafts are aged under 20, which has helped with the acclimatization process. 

“You can all relate to each other, and understand what each other is going through,” Menadue said. 

“If you’ve got any problems, you can speak to the younger blokes, and just see how they’re going. 

“It’s good having other players around you that are your age, and have the same interests.” 

As expected in the lead-up to the National Draft, Menadue was snapped up before the end of the second round. 

“I was pretty relaxed.  I was trying not to think about it too much,” he said. 

“I was just at home, playing some Xbox, trying to keep my mind off it. 

“I had some family and friends over.  We were all waiting, and when my name got read out they all jumped up. 

“It was pretty emotional – it was a great experience. 

“From the (pre-draft) meeting, they (Richmond) seemed pretty interested.  I only spoke to them once. 

“When my name got called out, I was really happy to be going to Richmond.” 

It has been a whirlwind first six weeks as a Tiger, who has adapted well to the increased demands of being an AFL footballer. 

“It’s obviously different.  It’s not just the morning session, but doing gym and pilates, and making sure you’re always on time,” he said. 

“I haven’t been late a meeting or anything like that, which is good. 

“I think I’m handling it well, and I’m really enjoying it.”