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brownlow2003
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From Fox Sports
THOMAS Roach is too young to remember any of his famous father Michael's 200 VFL/AFL matches for Richmond.
But he's seen and heard enough to know he will be a very different player.
Two days after an 80-point hiding by St Kilda, Richmond had some welcome good news today with the announcement that the younger Roach would be selected by the club in November's national draft under the father-son rule.
"I know it hasn't been a real positive weekend for the Richmond football club but this really does start our week on the right note," said coach Danny Frawley.
"His work ethic, his character, obviously the tradition of the Roach name – it's a really popular decision."
Michael Roach played 200 games for the Tigers and booted 607 goals, twice topping the league goalkicking.
At 193cm and 92kg he was also famed for his aerial skills, with one towering grab against Hawthorn in 1979 sure to feature on any shortlist for mark of the century.
"He was a full-forward and very tall and could leap," said the 17-year-old Thomas Roach, who is 181cm and still growing.
"I'm just more of a running, on-ball type player."
Added recruiting manager Greg Beck: "(Thomas) has a good turn of speed, good skills, he reads the play really well and, importantly, he has got a terrific work ethic."
A quad injury earlier this year meant Roach missed selection for the Victorian Metro team at this year's under 18 championships.
He also broke his collarbone in 2003 but has shown enough playing for Carey Grammar and the Oakleigh Chargers in the TAC Cup to convince the Tigers he was worth the price of a third-round draft pick.
"I always hoped I would make it," he said.
"I've gone through some bad patches where I haven't made sides and it's been a bit of an uphill battle with injuries.
"I haven't really felt much pressure (being the son of a star).
"To get drafted is a bit of a relief."
Michael Roach wore No.8 throughout his time at Richmond from 1977-89, the same number his son has had during his junior career.
"There's a bit of tradition," said Thomas Roach.
"I don't know if the number will come up but if I have got a chance to pick No.8 I probably would take it."
The No.8 jumper at Richmond could become available soon, with current holder Kayne Pettifer unable to hold down a regular senior berth.
THOMAS Roach is too young to remember any of his famous father Michael's 200 VFL/AFL matches for Richmond.
But he's seen and heard enough to know he will be a very different player.
Two days after an 80-point hiding by St Kilda, Richmond had some welcome good news today with the announcement that the younger Roach would be selected by the club in November's national draft under the father-son rule.
"I know it hasn't been a real positive weekend for the Richmond football club but this really does start our week on the right note," said coach Danny Frawley.
"His work ethic, his character, obviously the tradition of the Roach name – it's a really popular decision."
Michael Roach played 200 games for the Tigers and booted 607 goals, twice topping the league goalkicking.
At 193cm and 92kg he was also famed for his aerial skills, with one towering grab against Hawthorn in 1979 sure to feature on any shortlist for mark of the century.
"He was a full-forward and very tall and could leap," said the 17-year-old Thomas Roach, who is 181cm and still growing.
"I'm just more of a running, on-ball type player."
Added recruiting manager Greg Beck: "(Thomas) has a good turn of speed, good skills, he reads the play really well and, importantly, he has got a terrific work ethic."
A quad injury earlier this year meant Roach missed selection for the Victorian Metro team at this year's under 18 championships.
He also broke his collarbone in 2003 but has shown enough playing for Carey Grammar and the Oakleigh Chargers in the TAC Cup to convince the Tigers he was worth the price of a third-round draft pick.
"I always hoped I would make it," he said.
"I've gone through some bad patches where I haven't made sides and it's been a bit of an uphill battle with injuries.
"I haven't really felt much pressure (being the son of a star).
"To get drafted is a bit of a relief."
Michael Roach wore No.8 throughout his time at Richmond from 1977-89, the same number his son has had during his junior career.
"There's a bit of tradition," said Thomas Roach.
"I don't know if the number will come up but if I have got a chance to pick No.8 I probably would take it."
The No.8 jumper at Richmond could become available soon, with current holder Kayne Pettifer unable to hold down a regular senior berth.
