Rhyan Mansell didn't have to wait long for good news after the disappointment of not being drafted to the AFL.
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The 20-year-old lockdown defender has been given the chance to train with two-time reigning premiers Richmond after being overlooked.
"I had an interview with Richmond in the middle of the year and then I fell through the draft and no one took me so I was a bit disappointed but keen to bounce back again and have another crack next season," he said.
"About three hours after the rookie draft my manager called saying unlucky but has some better news for me and it is that Richmond want me to go train with them in January.
"I think this opportunity to train with the best AFL team there is currently is going to be awesome. I can't wait to learn from all the players and coaches over there."
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT
The three-time North Launceston and now SANFL premiership player with Woodville-West Torrens is one of 15 players across seven AFL clubs to be given the training opportunity.
The chance to train with the Tigers, which is a part of the AFL's pre-season supplementary selection period (SSP), could see Mansell on an AFL list before the season's start - following in the footsteps of fellow Northern Bomber Jay Lockhart.
Mansell, who heads to Victoria on January 6 to begin training the following day, believes the Tigers have two spots on offer but is unsure how many they will fill.
"I think no matter what the result is, I will take a lot out of it and it will help my game heaps going forward," he said.
"I'll go over and give it my all and see if that will give me a chance to get onto their list."
If selected, Mansell will join the haul of Eagles teammates to find a spot at an AFL club this season.
Lachlan Jones (Port Adelaide), Caleb Poulter (Collingwood), James Rowe (Adelaide), Henry Smith (Brisbane), Jacob Wehr (GWS), Lachlan McNeil (Western Bulldogs) and Taj Schofield (also Port Adelaide) reaped the benefits of their 2020 premiership season.
Launceston's Isaac Chugg and North Hobart's Patrick Walker also found new homes in the rookie draft.