Sports

Author: anonymDate: 2024-11-21 12:09:35

2024 AFL Draft: Sam Lalor vies for Dustin Martin's No.4 jersey after securing the top spot in the Richmond selection.

The number one pick in the AFL Draft, Sam Lalor, was presented with his Richmond guernsey by former skipper Trent Cotchin.

AFL's top draft choice, Sam Lalor, has expressed his desire for Dustin Martin's renowned No.4 jersey and calmly handled early comparisons to the retired Richmond icon. The 18-year-old Victorian, a dynamic goal-scoring midfielder, was the first of six first-round selections made by the Tigers at Docklands Stadium on Wednesday evening. This significant draft acquisition comes as Richmond aims to recover after finishing last in Adem Yze's inaugural season as coach. Lalor has patterned his playing style after three-time premiership champion Martin and Collingwood star Jordan De Goey, drawing notice at the junior level with his imposing physique and ability to shrug off opponents.

“It’s quite challenging to emulate him, but I suppose certain aspects of my gameplay bear a resemblance,” Lalor remarked regarding comparisons to Martin. “He’s been a player I’ve admired since childhood, so I aspire to play like him. “Personally, I don’t dwell on it too much. I eagerly anticipate joining the team, contributing diligently, and working tirelessly.” Martin donned the No.4 jersey in all but his initial season of his 15-year top-tier career, before retiring in August as one of the AFL’s all-time greats. Richmond officials have yet to declare whether they will commemorate Martin's illustrious career by retiring the iconic jersey for a period or immediately bestowing it upon one of their new draftees. “I would certainly appreciate it,” Lalor stated.

"I wear No.4 throughout the year and it's my favourite number, so if I did get it, I'd snatch it up."

Lalor was joined by Josh Smillie (pick seven), Taj Hotton (12), Jonty Faull (14), Luke Trainor (21), and Harry Armstrong (23) in Richmond's first-round selections. The Tigers traded pick 27 to North Melbourne, who secured key forward Matt Whitlock, but also possess the first pick — No. 28 overall — in Thursday's second round. Lalor, who missed parts of the 2024 season due to injury and revealed he will immediately begin a rehabilitation program lasting several weeks, is content to share the spotlight with his fellow Tiger rookies. The Bacchus Marsh junior was drafted from Talent League club Greater Western Victoria Rebels and is poised to become a future Richmond leader after captaining both the Rebels and Vic Country.

“I look forward to being part of that (group) and aspire to lead it as well,” Lalor said. “Richmond's numerous top picks will be beneficial. The attention isn't solely focused on me… I’m confident they'll support me, and I'll reciprocate.” Lalor was Richmond's first No.1 selection since Brett Deledio in 2004.