IT WAS this time last year Jacob Townsend and Jack Graham started their ascension to premiership glory.
Townsend was plucked from the VFL for his first senior match in his sixth year on an AFL list. Out of contract and with 32 games to his name, the clock was ticking on his time in the game.
Graham, South Australia's under-18 captain from the year prior, was called up for his AFL debut for the trip across the Nullarbor to face Fremantle.
He recorded 11 tackles to go with his 16 disposals while Townsend, a former Giant, bagged six goals, taking his career tally to 10.
Both remained in the side for the rest of the season, playing the next four matches in Richmond's dream run to write themselves into Punt Road folklore.
In recent memory, unproven types such as Zaine Cordy (2016), Mitch Morton (2012), Richard Hadley (2001), Shannon Motlop (1999) and Ben Marsh (1998) came from the clouds to taste success.
As this year's home and away season draws to a close, Townsend and Graham will provide inspiration for players on the outer at all eight premiership contenders.
RICHMOND
Corey Ellis, 21, four games in 2018 (27 in career)
Ironically it was Ellis who lost his place for Graham en route to last year's premiership. Ellis played his last match in round 17 but was an emergency for round 22's win over Essendon, just like he was on Grand Final day last year.
Tyson Stengle, 19, zero games in 2018 (two in career)
Damien Hardwick's love of small forwards never has Stengle away from the mark. Two best-on-ground performances in his past four VFL matches.
Liam Baker, 20, three games in 2018 (three in career)
Has played three of the past four matches, including last Friday night, and hasn't looked out of place. Taken in last year's NAB AFL Rookie Draft, could he deliver Lake Grace a flag?
Baker kicked his first AFL goal in the win against the Bombers. All pictures: AFL Photos
WEST COAST
Oscar Allen, 19, one game in 2018 (one in career)
One of the highest-rated juniors in last year's NAB AFL Draft, the 191cm utility debuted in round 16. Six goals in the past fortnight for East Perth. With queries on West Coast's talls at both ends, he could be a smokey.
Jack Petruccelle, 19, three games in 2018 (three in career)
His pace would be electrifying on the MCG. Last match came in round 19 before he was sent back to the WAFL. Doesn't collect massive numbers but without Gaff, could be a line-breaker.
Brayden Ainsworth, 19, three games in 2018 (three in career)
Collected 39 touches in the WAFL a fortnight ago. Another midfield option and has come a long way since he was working as a labourer 12 months ago.
Petruccelle has pace to burn.
COLLINGWOOD
Nathan Murphy, 18, one game in 2018 (one in career)
Eighteen months ago he was dreaming of following in Adam Gilchrist's footsteps and playing cricket for Australia. Now he's got his eyes on a spot in the Pies' undermanned defence. A late inclusion last week, he was composed in traffic against Port Adelaide.
Jack Madgen, 25, three games in 2018 (three in career)
Last year he was focused on a basketball career. Now Madgen is in the frame to play in an AFL finals series. His spot may hinge on Darcy Moore's chances of a return.
Adam Oxley, 25, two games in 2018 (33 in career)
Had to wait until round 21 to force his way in, but with Jeremy Howe sidelined for at least one more week, should get another chance to impress.
Murphy made a winning start to life as a Pie.
HAWTHORN
Conor Nash, 20, two games in 2018 (two in career)
Impressed for the Hawks in last week's win over St Kilda after a quiet debut in round 21. The Irishman hits the contest hard and at 197cm, gives the Hawks something different in attack.
Jono O'Rourke, 24, three games in 2018 (21 in career)
An emergency for five weeks straight, it would be a fairytale story if he was to earn a recall. Drafted at pick No.2 in 2012, he was forced to watch the Hawks cap off their three-peat in his first year at the club in 2015.
David Mirra, 27, five games in 2018 (five in career)
Unsighted since round 10, he has moved into attack since starting his AFL career as a defender. With concerns over James Frawley's back, he could be given an opportunity.
Will Nash's Irish family need to book their September flights?
SYDNEY
Colin O'Riordan, 22, three games in 2018 (three in career)
Looked the Irish clone of Tadhg Kennelly in his three games in July. Forced to go back to the NEAFL for team balance and collected 30 disposals last week.
Jordan Dawson, 21, three games in 2018 (four in career)
Rested last week, provided an option in the forward half in his three games from round 19-21. With concerns over Lance Franklin, he offers an alternative in attack at 190cm.
Darcy Cameron, 23, one game in 2018 (one game in career)
The player everyone had on their AFL Fantasy benches this season, the mature-ager is next in line if something happens to Callum Sinclair. Named emergency the past four weeks since he was dropped after his round 18 debut.
Dawson could come in if 'Buddy' doesn't get up.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Aiden Bonar, 19, three games in 2018 (three in career)
Five touches on the weekend but may hold his place with midfielders dropping around him. Now he's got his body right, looks an imposing presence through the middle and in attack.
Isaac Cumming, 20, two games in 2018 (two in career)
Second year on the list, the Giants' Academy product provides another option across half-back.
Zac Williams, 23, zero games in 2018 (76 in career)
Far from unproven, Williams is on the verge of a recall after a year that threatened to be derailed by an Achilles injury. Would be a handy addition across half-back alongside Lachie Whitfield.
Bonar has impressed since making his AFL debut.
MELBOURNE
Sam Weideman, 21, six games in 2018 (16 in career)
Looked like he'd be preparing for Casey's VFL finals series before Jesse Hogan's season-ending foot injury a fortnight ago. It was his best game of the year last Sunday in Perth.
Aaron vandenBerg, 26, three games in 2018 (31 in career)
The big-bodied midfielder will be on the edge when co-captain Jack Viney is ready to return in September. However, three consecutive games, including three goals in a losing side against Sydney, haven't done his chances of holding his spot any harm.
Dean Kent, 24, four games in 2018 (62 in career)
Was in the wilderness before his recall last weekend. Kicked the goal that sealed the Demons' finals berth and was lively across half-forward.
Weideman looked dangerous against the Eagles.
GEELONG
Ryan Abbott, 27, two games in 2018 (two in career)
Locked in for at least one more week with ruckman Rhys Stanley (calf) missing. Provided a solid outlet for the star-studded Cats midfield and can even push forward and kick goals.
George Horlin-Smith, 25, four games in 2018 (51 in career)
Gave a reminder of his credentials with 26 disposals and two goals as a late inclusion in round five. Three games later he was back in the VFL, but still continues to rack up big numbers.
Lincoln McCarthy, 24, two games in 2018 (29 in career)
Each time Chris Scott speaks about McCarthy you can sense he has him in the best 22. Set to return in the VFL this week. Two matches there before a week one finals return?
Can Abbott stand up in Stanley's absence?
