Richmond has selected hard-nosed, former Port Adelaide midfielder Matt Thomas with its third pick (No. 42 overall) in the 2013 AFL Rookie Draft.

The 26-year-old was granted an AFL lifeline by the Tigers after eight seasons and 87 games with the Power.

After being delisted by Port Adelaide, at the end of the 2013 season, Thomas arrived at the ME Bank Centre and joined in training with the Tigers ahead of the National Draft.

Richmond’s recruiters were buoyed by his season with Norwood in the SANFL, which saw him win the competition’s Best and Fairest Award, the Magarey Medal and play in the Redlegs’ premiership side.

Thomas made his AFL debut in 2006, ironically against Richmond, and has built a reputation as a tough midfielder, with a strong appetite for the contest.

He has averaged 15 disposals and five tackles per game over his league career to date, and has booted 30 goals.


Matt Thomas profile
DOB:               27/2/87
HEIGHT:         186cm
WEIGHT:        87kg
POSITION:      Midfielder
FORMER CLUB:         Port Adelaide (87 games, 30 goals)