Richmond draftee Thomson Dow says he is honoured to join the Tigers and can’t believe his luck that he’s landed at the reigning premiers.
Vic Country representative Dow was selected at Pick 21 by Richmond on Wednesday night. Speaking to Brett Phillips on SEN's Time On, the midfielder said he had no idea which club he’d end up at prior to the draft.
“I spoke to Richmond a few times throughout the year, but I still had no indication,” Dow said.
“They’ve had so much success and credit to them because they’ve put the hard work in and to be part of that journey, it’s an honour, so I’m looking forward to getting to work.
“I was at the Grand Final so being able to watch and see how they play was unbelievable and I never would’ve pictured myself to be on their list if I was thinking about it back then.”
The Bendigo Pioneers product has already spoken to the captain and coach and said he can’t wait to get down to Punt Rd to meet his new teammates and coaches.
“Last night I spoke to (Trent) Cotchin and a few other boys and Damien Hardwick spoke to me this morning which was nice,” he said.
“I’ll head down on Sunday and develop a relationship with the new draftees and have a chat with the staff, then on Monday training will commence and I’ll be straight into it which will be very interesting.”
Brother of Carlton midfielder Paddy Dow, Thomson admits it would’ve been romantic to join the Blues but he’s glad he can create his own path.
“It would’ve been nice but I’m happier to be forging my own career at the Tiges,” Dow said.
“Talking to Paddy, I have a better understanding of what AFL is like so it’s definitely put me in good stead, and it’ll help me advance my carer so I can hopefully have a long one.
“He’s been unreal, I speak to a lot of boys who I’m good mates with and I feel I have a lot more experience in a way even though I haven’t been through it”
The 18-year-old Swan Hill junior is confident his skillset can add to an already impressive Richmond list.
“My athleticism definitely gives me that edge over others and my ability to use my agility and speed to break away from stoppages," he said.
“If I can use those at the Tiges I feel like that can be beneficial and help the team out.”
Listen to Thomson Dow on SEN's Time On below