Wangaratta's Joe Richards catapulted himself onto the AFL Draft scene as a mature-age player through the NAB League pathway. The 22-year-old, a school teacher by trade, was the sole draft combine invitee plucked out of local football this year. The speedy small midfielder is a strong runner and blends his explosive pace with a high work rate. He's a player with weapons, possessing handy skills and a decent mark for a player his size, compounding the impact he has with ball in hand.He booted 29 goals in 11 games for Wangaratta this year and burst onto the scene with a remarkable bag of 11 in just his third senior game. Richards is slightly undersized for a pure midfielder, but has applicable traits to other roles.

 

Strengths

• Clean hands
• Scoreboard impact
• Work rate
• Explosive pace