Sam Banks will trade the Tasmania Devils for the famed yellow and black of Richmond next season after he became the only Tasmanian picked up in the main AFL draft.
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Banks was widely tipped to go in the pick 30-40 bracket but the Tigers proved keen on the state representative at pick 29.
AFL's talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan likened Banks to Western Bulldogs star Bailey Dale who featured in the 2021 All-Australian team after a career-year from half-back.
Richmond recruiting manager Matt Clarke said the club was excited to have the Tasmanian on their books.
"We've obviously had a lot of Tasmanians come through the system with some of our legends, one still playing at the moment, great to have [Sam Banks] on board he's a quality kid," he said.
In their draft profile of Banks, Richmond indicated the Clarence product would offer the Tigers some speed and quality ball-usage from half-back or the wing where he will compete with Jayden Short and Kamdyn McIntosh for places.
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The Tasmanian influence at Punt Road Oval will be strong in 2022 with Banks set to join fellow Tasmanians and premiership stars Toby Nankervis and Jack Riewoldt.
Speaking on Fox Sports, Sheehan recounted the way Banks interacted while injured around the Australian team which played against Geelong's VFL side earlier this year.
"The way he conducted himself around the group, it was a young leader and I like that about him I think he's got a future ahead of him," he said.
"He's a natural player, very gifted and even made the Team of the Year with only a handful of games because he's got absolute class and natural use of the footy."
In Banks' four NAB League games, he averaged 21.8 disposals, six rebound-50s and two intercept marks per game
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The new Tiger's Tasmanian colleagues, including Will Splann and Oliver Sanders, could be potential options in the rookie draft on Friday.
Sanders' form sparked interest from Carlton as well as North Melbourne where he suited up for their VFL side this season.
Tasmanians Isaac Chugg and Jay Lockhart are expected to be picked up by Collingwood and Greater Western Sydney respectively.
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