Richmond VFL star Tom McCarthy is AFL bound after being selected by the West Coast Eagles with the first pick in Wednesday’s AFL mid-season draft. 

McCarthy has enjoyed a standout second campaign with the Tigers’ VFL program, making a major impact off the half back and through the midfield. 

McCarthy has enjoyed a rapid rise over the past two seasons to earn his AFL chance, winning a VFL contract with the Tigers last February after years as an amateur footballer with Old Mentonians in the VAFA and Highett in the Southern league. 

Invited to train with the Tigers ahead of the 2024 season, he earned a contract last February and played 15 games with the club in his first season, averaging 16.9 disposals and 4.5 intercepts. This season he has averaged 23 disposals, four marks, three tackles and three rebound-50s in seven games. 

VFL coach Jake Batchelor has been full of praise for McCarthy this season, often highlighting his work rate, run from the half back, defensive efforts, and drive generated with his disposals.