In the lead-up to the 2022 AFL national draft to be held on November 28-29, with Richmond currently holding picks 53 and 63, Tony Greenberg has compiled a list of the Tigers’ all-time top 10 draft selections over pick 50. We are counting them down from 10 to one on a daily basis throughout the next couple of weeks. Today, at No. 8, is Mark Merenda.

Mark Merenda was Richmond’s third pick, No. 50 overall in the 1993 national draft.

Recruited from WAFL club West Perth, Merenda made his senior debut for the Tigers in Round 12 of the 1994 season against Collingwood at the MCG.

He managed only one other appearance at AFL level that season but established himself as a permanent member of the senior side the following year, playing 20 games.

His best season with Richmond was in 1996, when he played all 22 of the Tigers’ games, kicked 21 goals, polled 15 Brownlow Medal votes and finished fifth in the Jack Dyer Medal.

Merenda hit a piping-hot patch of form from Round 4-7 that season, racking up 10 Brownlow votes in those four games.

Although only 180cm tall, Merenda was strong in the contest and good overhead.

With plenty of pace, first-rate skills on both sides of his body, and a bit of X-factor about him, Merenda played in a variety of roles throughout his time at Tigerland, including wing, half-forward and midfield.

His best goal return in a match for the Tigers was five, which he achieved twice – against Footscray in Round 7 of the 1996 season at the MCG, and v Brisbane, Round 21, 1998, MCG.

All-up, Merenda played 75 games and kicked 62 goals in his playing career at Richmond.