Sam Banks continues to shine in the rebounding role across half-back that he took over from injured dual Richmond premiership star small defender Jayden Short.
In the seven games since Short has been sidelined with a calf complaint, Banks is averaging 24.4 disposals, 4.9 marks, 3.1 inside-50s, 5.4 rebound-50s, 3.9 score involvements, 3.0 intercepts and 560.0 metres gained.
The hard-running, 22-year-old was one of the Tigers’ major positives in their 68-point loss to Adelaide at the MCG on Sunday.
He finished the match with 25 disposals, four marks, one goal, three inside-50s, a game-high and AFL career-high nine rebound-50s, four score involvements, four tackles and a game-high and AFL career-high 822 metres gained.
That goal he kicked was very Short-like, running through to accept a handpass from teammate Dion Prestia, who deemed himself too far out to score from the 50-metre arc at the Ponsford Stand end of the ground during the second quarter, and slotting it in impressive style.
