The AFL’s draft night on Wednesday got off to an eyebrow raising start when Richmond named their No.1 pick.
As widely tipped, the honour went to 188cm midfielder Sam Lalor.
Lalor, from Bacchus Marsh, was captain of Vic Country and — due to his ferocious fend-offs and goalkicking ability — had regularly been compared to retired Tigers champion Dustin Martin.
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He also wears the same number as Martin’s famous (and now vacant) No.4.
Many reporters, including AFL Media, had thought Martin would be on hand to hand the jumper to Lalor when Lalor took the stage after his name was called … however, it didn’t happen.
Martin — who had appeared earlier on a Fox Footy promo — was a no-show.
Instead, former Richmond captain Trent Cotchin walked out and congratulated Lalor.
Lalor is Richmond’s first No.1 pick since Brett Deledio in 2004.
Before being drafted, Lalor said he had attributes similar Jordan De Goey (while admitting he was a Collingwood fan) and Martin.
“(They’re) two players I’ve watched. They’re big midfielders and can go forward as well,” he said.
Richmond rolled the dice on Lalor did despite the fact he had an injury-interrupted season this year, and battled through groin and later hamstring issues.
“I’m a pretty good size for a midfielder, and I’ve got the ability to go forward and impact the scoreboard.”
Lalor also has good football pedigree.
His grandfather, Ray, played a handful of games for Essendon and he is related to Geelong 136-gamer John O’Neill, who retired at the end of 1962.
After Lalor, North Melbourne then took Oakleigh Chargers star Finn O’Sullivan with the second pick, and then Carlton snapped up another Chargers player, Jagga Smith, with Pick 3.
More to come ….
