SYDNEY Stack has been a revelation at Richmond in his first year, but why did the Tigers, like every other club, overlook him at the national and rookie drafts last year?
Recruiting manager Matt Clarke joins this week's Road to the Draft podcast and details the behind-the-scenes plan the Tigers had to claim Stack.
He also discusses what makes the NAB AFL Rising Star contender tick, how many times the Tigers interviewed him throughout the year and his influence around the Punt Road headquarters.
Plus, could the Tigers have another Rioli on the way to the club?
Find Road to the Draft on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.
Join hosts Callum Twomey and Nat Edwards on the Road to the Draft podcast, featuring discussion on the next generation of stars plus interviews with key coaches, recruiters and prospects.
In this week's episode ...
The guys are joined by Richmond recruiting manager Matt Clarke, who discusses this year's draft pool, the club's recent picks, what their plans are this off-season and gives an insight into the Tigers' draft 'war room'.
Episode guide
0:45 – Clarke's view on this year's NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and the key performers.
4:30 – He gives his take on the who could feature in the top-10 of this year's draft, plus a look at its depth compared to last season.
9:40 – An update on the development of father-son prospect Maurice Rioli Jr.
10:35 – Did an injury nearly change the Tigers' plans to select Marlion Pickett at the recent mid-season draft?
12:25 – Clarke gives an insight into the Tigers' decision to draft Sydney Stack last year, and what can make him an 'annoying' teammate.
21:30 – A look at the Tigers' 2017 draftees Patrick Naish, Jack Higgins and Noah Balta and how they can break into the senior line-up.
27:15 – How Richmond has to plan for life without star trio Alex Rance, Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt.
33:20 – Ever wondered what goes into a recruiter's report of a player? Clarke shares how the Tigers track each draft prospect's games.
