By David Nagel
The AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft will be held on Wednesday 31 May and there are strong indications that Tooradin-Dalmore 2022 premiership player James Trezise could find an AFL home.
A recent rule change, relaxing eligibility criteria, has seen the exciting left-footer rise to prominence over the last week.
The eligibility criteria has been amended to allow players from WAFL, SANFL, TSL or VFL – who have played a minimum of three matches during the 2023 season by the close of nominations on Wednesday 24 May – to be eligible to nominate.
Until the rule change, Trezise was ineligible for the draft.
And the news just keeps getting better for Trezise, who has raised eyebrows with his impressive form for Richmond in the VFL this year.
Trezise is on an exclusive list of 11 Rookie Draft prospects that will undergo medical testing from the AFL ahead of the draft, in a strong indicator of the players that are on the radar of AFL clubs.
The AFL informed clubs on Thursday that the 11 players had received multiple draft nominations and would now complete medical screenings and psychometric testing.
Five AFL clubs started the season with selections available for the mid-season draft – Essendon, Fremantle, Geelong, Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs.
But Port Adelaide, West Coast, Greater Western Sydney, Sydney, and most interestingly Richmond, now have spots available due to retirements or long-term injuries.
The retirement of Jason Castagna has opened the door for the Tigers to have a pick.
Trezise is an excitement machine who had a huge impact in helping Tooradin-Dalmore break a 25-year premiership drought last year.
He played predominantly as a high half-forward, often running deep into defence and torching his opposition on the way back with his elite speed and endurance.
He also possesses an exciting leap and loves kicking a long goal, booting 26 for the Seagulls last year.
He has impressed with his versatility at Richmond, even playing as a second ruck and impressing across half back.
MID-SEASON ROOKIE DRAFT MEDICALS LIST
James Trezise (Richmond VFL)
Clay Tucker (Eastern Ranges)
Ethan Stanley (Box Hill)
Flynn Riley (Northern Bullants)
Jack Buller (Claremont)
Jaiden Hunter (Perth)
Mutaz El Nour (Richmond VFL)
Robert Hansen jnr (Subiaco)
Ryan Maric (Gippsland Power)
Rye Penny (Calder Cannons)
Will Elliott (Oakleigh Chargers)
