Richmond’s midfield could bat even deeper in 2020 with the presence of talented youngster Riley Collier-Dawkins.
Tigers coach Damien Hardwick told AFL.com.au this week that the 20-year-old had put on around 7kgs as he eyes a spot in the midfield of the reigning premiers.
Collier-Dawkins has bulked up after his debut season with the club, which saw him impress at VFL level in a premiership year, and his off-season work is creating plenty of excitement.
Melbourne great Garry Lyon expects the no.20 draft pick to slot straight into a prominent midfield position where he could replace departed two-time flag winner Brandon Ellis on a wing.
“Mark my words,” Lyon said on SEN Breakfast.
“You talk about Ellis leaving, this bloke steps in. This kid in the (VFL) finals was just so exciting.
“I don’t know this to be true but if he has grown and he’s 191 (cm) and he’s put 7 kegs (kilos) onto his frame, put Riley Collier-Dawkins down as one of the big, big movers.”
Additionally, Fox Footy’s Tom Morris reported from Richmond’s intra-club scratch match at Punt Road that Collier-Dawkins “looks seriously good”.
Stack gets his second. Goals flowing now. Collier-Dawkins looks seriously good.
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) February 20, 2020
AFL Media's Mitch Cleary was also on hand to see the Tigers play and described the Waverley Blues and Oakleigh Chargers product as “prolific in midfield” alongside fellow promising youngster Jack Ross.
Collier-Dawkins will be in action for the Tigers in their Marsh Community Series opener against Collingwood in Wangaratta on Sunday, March 1.
