Three-time premiership player Tim Watson believes a Richmond rookie could find himself in the senior team throughout the course of the season.
After Ben Griffiths’ abrupt retirement, the Tigers have been left with a key position forward hole, with Jack Riewoldt being the only established one on the list.
However, Watson thinks Mabior Chol could be able to fill the gap, after he showed signs of his continued development in the weekend’s JLT win over Essendon, kicking one goal and collecting nine disposals.
“Toby Nankervis got injured, and he (Chol) went into the ruck, which isn’t his natural position,” the former Bombers captain told SEN Breakfast.
“They’ve been talking about this kid for a while, he is a developing player.
“I think he has something and can fit into that side.
“He can play as a back-up ruckman at a pinch, he has great mobility, he can play forward and in the back line.
“I think by the end of the year, he will be in Richmond’s best team because of the flexibility he provides.”
Chol is on the rookie list, but falls in the Category A area, meaning he is eligible to play in round one under new AFL list rules.
The 21-year-old is quick and agile, and was used as a forward, backman and ruckman in the VFL last season.
Richmond begins their premiership defence on Thursday March 22 against Carlton.