In the countdown to the 2015 National Draft, we discuss the whole draft experience with Richmond’s five 2014 pick-ups. Today, we feature Connor Menadue.
The draft lead-up
“The whole year was pretty much normal. I just tried to play football and concentrate on my game instead of thinking about next year, which was so far away. But as it (the draft) got closer, it started dragging out a bit . . . When the day came, that’s when the nerves hit . . . I didn’t know if I was going to get drafted or when I was going to go, whether I was going to stay in Victoria or go interstate. But there was also excitement. To hear my name read out was a very exciting moment . . . I was happy to stay here in Victoria, and Richmond, being such a high-profile club, that was even better.”
The response to being drafted
“Before the draft, I was just at home with some family and friends. Luckily I got drafted, otherwise it would have been a bit embarrassing. I had my mother next to me, and (other) family and friends around me . . . We were just waiting and waiting. And then, when my name got read out, everyone jumped up and started yelling. I got pretty emotional . . . I had everyone giving me hugs and kisses. I was trying to hide in the emotions, but I was tearing a bit. It was a great moment and everyone was really happy and had a good night.”
Tiger cubs together
“It was really good, once my name was called out, to realise that I was going to Richmond with Corey (Ellis). He’s been my mate for a few years and we’d played together at the (Western) Jets and Vic Metro. I think it just made it more special to share this experience with someone who I’d played football with . . . both trying to reach the same dream. I got in touch with him and just said that we’re both going to Richmond. We both couldn’t believe it. It was very exciting.”
Townsville pre-season camp
“We had the next day to take it in, and on the Saturday we came in and went through the Club, just to have a look around, and had a lunch with a couple of the players . . . Ben Lennon, Ivan Soldo, and Jack Riewoldt ended up coming. I was a bit star-struck back then. The next day, on Sunday, we went straight to the (pre-season) camp, which was very tough up in Townsville . . . nice and hot. Got burnt . . . But it was a great experience to get straight into it and mingle with the boys that way.”
Senior league debut
“When I got told in the morning that I was going to be playing my first (senior) game (v Collingwood, Round 7), I was trying to hold in the smile. I told my mum and tried to keep a straight face, but it came out . . . it was pretty obvious. The whole experience was something I’ll never forget – running out, warming up and then just taking in the crowd against Collingwood. Biggest crowd I’ve played in front of by a long way (59,034). Just to run out on the field, when I got my opportunity (as the ‘sub’), was something I’ll cherish forever.”
Advice to the next batch of draftees
“If I had to give advice to the new players coming in, I’d say enjoy the moment, be ready for hard work, and just earn the respect of players. Don’t be shy . . . The quicker you can talk to the players and get good relationships, the quicker your development will start to happen. That’s how you start to get games and you start playing good footy.”
