Not all roads are linear…but for draftee Sam Grlj, all roads were destined for Tigerland.
Draft night wasn’t the first time this year's eighth overall pick had pulled on a Richmond guernsey, having already featured in the Club’s VFL side in Rounds 19 and 20 this past season.
The 18-year-old impressed in his two showings and was a standout in the Draft Combine, where he recorded a 2.92 in the 20-meter sprint and a 5:55 two-kilometre time trial.
However, Grlj has already put his own personal ambitions to the side and is adamant that earning the respect of his teammates will be his primary focus.
“For me, I just want to go in there and learn as much as I possibly can and be a sponge,” Grlj told SEN.
“Everything is so new to me, I don’t know what AFL is about, so I’m going to go in there and learn as much as I can, and try and train as hard as I can.
“I want to find the hardest workers and just build those relationships and earn the respect of the Club.
“I want to get in there and learn and earn the respect of my teammates.”
Grlj demonstrated his elite running ability and endurance across the midfield and half-back during his time as an Oakleigh Charger.
The agile runner had a standout season where he averaged 20.3 disposals, five tackles and 3.9 clearances across the Coates Talents League.
Now a Tiger, Grlj reflected on the moment he realised he would be heading to the Swinburne Centre.
“It’s unreal, I’m just so grateful for everyone and my family who have supported me along the way, and I’m so grateful for the people down at Oakleigh,” Grlj said.
“I’m extremely excited. The fanbase, getting to play in front of 80,000 every week at the G’ is something I’m really excited for.
“Hopefully I bring lots of line breaking and taking the game on, just being a connecter between the forward and the back line, and being a really hard worker as well.”
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Grlj, as he sought mentorship from former Tiger David Buttifant, who offered him guidance on how to deal with external expectations.
“I think for me, I just want to get in there and learn and earn the respect of my teammates, because at the end of the day, I don’t really know what AFL footy is like or how hard it will be, so that is probably the first thing I want to tick off,” Grlj said.
“I would love to debut and play as many games as possible in my first year, but it is a long process and a long journey.
“I think Luke Breust said it really well last night, 'be in a hurry but don’t be in a rush', so that is something I will try and stick to.”
Grlj and fellow draftee Sam Cumming will join the entire playing group on a pre-season camp this Monday in Yarrawonga and the surrounding areas.
