There is a very good reason why Richmond knocked back all offers from rival clubs for the prized first pick on the second night of the 2024 national draft.
With that pick (No. 28 overall), the Tigers took tall teenage forward Tom Sims from the Northern Knights.
Sims, who made his senior debut with Richmond in the Round 9 victory over West Coast at the MCG, had shown some promising signs in the three games leading up to the Round 12 clash with Greater Western Sydney at ENGIE Stadium.
But the 199cm, 19-year-old took a significant step forward in his football development against the Giants.
He had 13 disposals, eight contested disposals, seven marks, including a game-high three contested grabs, four intercepts, six score involvements and 316 metres gained in an eye-catching display.
There are precious few key forwards who manage to take three contested marks in a match during their debut season of AFL football.
What Sims showed in only his fourth appearance at the game’s highest level, playing predominantly forward with the occasional stint in the ruck, gives the Tiger Army plenty to look forward to from the exciting prospect, as he gains more experience.
