2021 NAB AFL Draft: Richmond

9. Joshua Gibcus 

GWV Rebels, NAB League / Eastpoint FC / St. Pat’s College

State: Victoria (Country)

Height: 196cm

Weight: 87kg

Date of Birth: 04/04/03

Cal Twomey's Phantom Draft Prediction: 9 

Developing tall defender who has emerged this year to be included in the Australian U18 Academy team against Geelong (VFL) where he was one of his side’s best. He also showed his skill to be one of Victoria Country under-19s better performers in the NAB AFL Challenge game against Victoria Metro in July. Blessed with an elite vertical jump, his intercept marking and aggressive spoiling are both features of his rapidly developing game. With similar traits as Melbourne’s Jake Lever, he also played 10 

17. Tom Brown

Murray Bushrangers, NAB League / Mooroopna FC / Geelong Grammar

State: Victoria Country

Height: 186cm

Weight: 77kg

Date of Birth: 30/07/03

Cal Twomey's Phantom Draft Prediction: 18 

A line-breaking defender who loves to take the game on and step past the opposition using his elite agility. Composed and a great decision maker he can also go forward and impact the game. His father Paul played 84 games for Geelong but it wasn’t enough to qualify as a father-son so he’s eligible in the open 2021 NAB AFL Draft. Represented Victoria Country at under-19s level against Victoria Metro in 2021 and was among his team’s best as well as playing five matches for the Bushrangers, averaging 16.8 disposals at an impressive 75 per cent efficiency as he mixed his football between the Bushies and Geelong Grammar. Showed his speed over 20 metres with the second best time of 2.98 seconds at the Draft Combine for Victoria Country.

28. Tyler Sonsie

Eastern Ranges, NAB League / Rowville FC

State: Victoria (Metro)

Height: 181cm

Weight: 78kg

Date of Birth: 27/01/03

Cal Twomey's Phantom Draft Prediction: 17 

Small midfielder with rare footy smarts and clean hands, making him a stoppage star. His dazzling speed and polished step through traffic out of the centre has drawn comparison to Richmond captain Trent Cotchin. His disposal on both sides is another point of difference. Was Victoria Metro's MVP and earned All-Australian selection in the under-16s in 2019. He started the season well with the Eastern Ranges, playing five matches, averaging 23 disposals (12 contested), and a goal a game, as well as being eye-catching in his only game for Box Hill in the VFL with 22 disposals and two goals. Another member of the NAB AFL Academy, bone bruising to his knee curtailed his year before the shutdown. He was rewarded, however, with a NAB League Team of the Year selection.

29. Samuel Banks

Tasmania Devils, NAB League / Clarence FC

State: Tasmania

Height: 187cm

Weight: 71kg

Date of Birth: 02/04/03

Medium defender also capable of displaying his polish through the midfield. His use of the ball is elite, being a combination of precise decision making and neat disposal by hand and foot. Been Tasmania’s shining light for several years, winning its MVP and All-Australian honours at under-16s level in 2019. Had an injury interrupted season after suffering a broken wrist, missing the NAB AFL Academy game. But was in sparkling form before and after that, playing four matches with the Devils in the NAB League, averaging 21.8 disposals and was selected in NAB League’s Team of the Year.

30. Judson Clarke

Dandenong Stingrays, NAB League/ Yarra Valley Grammar

State: Victoria (Country)

Height: 179cm

Weight: 69kg

Date of Birth: 17/10/03

Left-footed small forward who is dynamic around goals, using his elite agility and speed to great effect to find space and convert. As well as that goal sense, he also brings energy, pressure and a sharp competitive edge, not unlike Western Bulldogs rising star Cody Weightman. His skill set and potential was to the fore in a five-goal performance for Victoria Country in a trial match against Victoria Metro this year. Overcame an ACL injury in 2019 to return to full fitness and form this year, playing five matches with the Dandenong Stingrays and averaging 17.6 disposals, 3.4 tackles and 0.8 goals per game. He was also selected in the NAB League Team of the Year. Strong performer in the 2km endurance run with a time of 6:19min (Strava tested) as part of the 2021 NAB AFL Draft Combine program.

Rookie Draft 

7. Bigoa Nyuon