Jacob Bauer hit the ground running after being recruited by Richmond with its pick in last week’s AFL mid-season rookie draft. The young, high-flying forward, who had been impressive throughout the first half of this season at senior level with SANFL club North Adelaide, following a stint in the Sydney Swans Academy, was interviewed by Richmond Media and SEN about his transition to AFL football, as well as what he has to offer the Tigers. Here is what he had to say . . .

Whirlwind few days

“It’s been massive. Never been to Melbourne much before and now I’m here for good, or at least for the next 18 months . . . The news being broken to me at North Adelaide training was pretty special . . . At the end of the day, to be on a list (AFL club) is a dream . . . That’s always been what I wanted to do from day dot.”

Reason for not being previously drafted

“Being in Sydney, my two top-age years were very COVID interrupted. Not only being unable to play any footy, but when I did play, not stringing together enough consistent games . . .”

The move from Sydney to North Adelaide

“I think I just needed to put myself in an elite environment to really get the best out of myself for my football. Moving to North Adelaide and having a lot of ex AFL coaches and players there really just got me in that mindset of what it takes to sort of break in and get the best out of your football. So, I think just immersing yourself in an elite environment, to get those experiences, was what I needed coming from Sydney. And the hard work’s paid off now . . .”

Rapt to be recruited by Richmond

“It’s super special heading down to Punt Road. Got a hundred thousand members, which is pretty unreal, especially coming from Sydney where there’s no-one that comes to watch your games, to going to Tigerland where there’s going to be thousands and thousands every week. A great, successful club with a rich history and culture. I want to be immersed in a footy environment and I’m super stoked . . . I’m going to love every moment of it as long as I’m there. It’s going to be fun.”

First day at Tigerland

“It’s been awesome. Everyone’s welcomed me with open arms. I’ve probably already forgotten everyone’s name, but that will come over time. Stoked to be down here. Everyone’s been so easy, so warm and welcoming. I’m really keen to be down here.”

Learning off Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch

“Things I learned off the North (Adelaide) forwards was stuff I couldn’t get back home, and now I’m with arguably the two best tall forwards in the comp. It’s going to be massive for me in moving forward as a key forward. The things they’ve both been able to do, and the things I’ll be able to learn off them, is really invaluable. So, whether I play straight away, or not play for a couple of years, I’ll be able to learn off two great forwards in the game currently.”

Moving in with Josh Gibcus

“That’s the plan. I haven’t spoken to him much, but I think we play pretty similar, and we look pretty similar with our body types. So, I think we’ll get on pretty well. I’m super keen to meet all the boys and start developing some relationships.

Ready to go

“I think the SANFL geared me really well for that . . . The SANFL is one of the best state league comps, so the jump to VFL, I think, will be quite seamless. I’ve already proved myself at the SANFL standard, so I do feel like I can carry that through into the VFL. I think the way I play I definitely do have a lot of AFL qualities I can take through. The only difference might be just adapting to structures . . . But I’m a footy ‘nuffy, so I’m ready to go straight away. Whenever I’m called upon, I’m ready to go.”