Tigers look at Roach, Raines
By Mark Fuller
July 03 2003
Richmond is exploring the potential of a mooted increase in the number of players that can be drafted under the father-son rule by inviting Tom Roach, the son of Tigers great Michael Roach, to train with the club over the next fortnight.
The presence of the fresh-faced schoolboy at Punt Road yesterday raised the tantalising prospect for Tigers fans of reliving the club's halcyon days of the late 1970s and early '80s, and again seeing Raines pass to Roach.
Andrew Raines, the son of premiership wingman Geoff Raines, is a talented teenager who has represented Queensland at junior level.
Richmond assistant coach Darren Crocker yesterday said the club was examining Roach, Raines and the son of another 1980 premiership player, Greg Strachan, as possible draftees if the AFL went ahead with a plan to allow multiple father-son selections. It has yet to be determined what the likely cost of those selections might be, but Crocker said the club would be thorough in its assessments.
"You've just got to go through it with a fine-tooth comb and see whether any of those guys are worth giving up a second-round draft pick," he said. "But from what we've seen of Tommy, he's been really impressive."
Roach, who plays for Oakleigh Chargers and his school team, Carey Grammar, will train with the senior squad during the school holidays. His lack of height make it unlikely he will emulate his father's deeds in the goal square, but Crocker said Roach the younger had a good goal sense and was full of enthusiasm.
The Tigers take a five-match losing streak into Saturday night's game against Adelaide in Adelaide, but will regain captain Wayne Campbell after his recovery from a calf problem.
Crocker said midfielder Kane Johnson would be fit, despite the former Crow not training yesterday due to a back problem.
By Mark Fuller
July 03 2003
Richmond is exploring the potential of a mooted increase in the number of players that can be drafted under the father-son rule by inviting Tom Roach, the son of Tigers great Michael Roach, to train with the club over the next fortnight.
The presence of the fresh-faced schoolboy at Punt Road yesterday raised the tantalising prospect for Tigers fans of reliving the club's halcyon days of the late 1970s and early '80s, and again seeing Raines pass to Roach.
Andrew Raines, the son of premiership wingman Geoff Raines, is a talented teenager who has represented Queensland at junior level.
Richmond assistant coach Darren Crocker yesterday said the club was examining Roach, Raines and the son of another 1980 premiership player, Greg Strachan, as possible draftees if the AFL went ahead with a plan to allow multiple father-son selections. It has yet to be determined what the likely cost of those selections might be, but Crocker said the club would be thorough in its assessments.
"You've just got to go through it with a fine-tooth comb and see whether any of those guys are worth giving up a second-round draft pick," he said. "But from what we've seen of Tommy, he's been really impressive."
Roach, who plays for Oakleigh Chargers and his school team, Carey Grammar, will train with the senior squad during the school holidays. His lack of height make it unlikely he will emulate his father's deeds in the goal square, but Crocker said Roach the younger had a good goal sense and was full of enthusiasm.
The Tigers take a five-match losing streak into Saturday night's game against Adelaide in Adelaide, but will regain captain Wayne Campbell after his recovery from a calf problem.
Crocker said midfielder Kane Johnson would be fit, despite the former Crow not training yesterday due to a back problem.
