Tigers select Thomas Roach | PUNT ROAD END | Richmond Tigers Forum
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Tigers select Thomas Roach

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brownlow2003

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From Fox Sports
THOMAS Roach is too young to remember any of his famous father Michael's 200 VFL/AFL matches for Richmond.

But he's seen and heard enough to know he will be a very different player.

Two days after an 80-point hiding by St Kilda, Richmond had some welcome good news today with the announcement that the younger Roach would be selected by the club in November's national draft under the father-son rule.

"I know it hasn't been a real positive weekend for the Richmond football club but this really does start our week on the right note," said coach Danny Frawley.

"His work ethic, his character, obviously the tradition of the Roach name – it's a really popular decision."

Michael Roach played 200 games for the Tigers and booted 607 goals, twice topping the league goalkicking.

At 193cm and 92kg he was also famed for his aerial skills, with one towering grab against Hawthorn in 1979 sure to feature on any shortlist for mark of the century.

"He was a full-forward and very tall and could leap," said the 17-year-old Thomas Roach, who is 181cm and still growing.

"I'm just more of a running, on-ball type player."

Added recruiting manager Greg Beck: "(Thomas) has a good turn of speed, good skills, he reads the play really well and, importantly, he has got a terrific work ethic."

A quad injury earlier this year meant Roach missed selection for the Victorian Metro team at this year's under 18 championships.

He also broke his collarbone in 2003 but has shown enough playing for Carey Grammar and the Oakleigh Chargers in the TAC Cup to convince the Tigers he was worth the price of a third-round draft pick.

"I always hoped I would make it," he said.

"I've gone through some bad patches where I haven't made sides and it's been a bit of an uphill battle with injuries.

"I haven't really felt much pressure (being the son of a star).

"To get drafted is a bit of a relief."

Michael Roach wore No.8 throughout his time at Richmond from 1977-89, the same number his son has had during his junior career.

"There's a bit of tradition," said Thomas Roach.

"I don't know if the number will come up but if I have got a chance to pick No.8 I probably would take it."

The No.8 jumper at Richmond could become available soon, with current holder Kayne Pettifer unable to hold down a regular senior berth.
 
brownlow2003 said:
Michael Roach wore No.8 throughout his time at Richmond from 1977-89, the same number his son has had during his junior career.

"There's a bit of tradition," said Thomas Roach.

"I don't know if the number will come up but if I have got a chance to pick No.8 I probably would take it."

The No.8 jumper at Richmond could become available soon, with current holder Kayne Pettifer unable to hold down a regular senior berth.

Fingers crossed he gets number 8 - seeeyuuu Kayne!
 
brownlow2003 said:
Added recruiting manager Greg Beck: "(Thomas) has a good turn of speed, good skills, he reads the play really well and, importantly, he has got a terrific work ethic."

The last player I remember Beck describing like that was Aaron Fiora.

No representive games, rarely appears in the best players for Oakleigh, I hope the club know what their doing.
 
Why are they rushing into this decision. By all reports Roach is very average.

Would it be due to all the anger expressed by the supporters and one way of distracting them - "Don't cry little one, look here's a chocolate for you" ;D
 
The cynic in me suspects this announcement is a cleverly choreographed move to deflect attention away from other matters around the place.

I just saw Thomas on 10 news, he looked very small.

Good luck young fella, do the number 8 proud. ;D
 
TigerFurious said:
brownlow2003 said:
Added recruiting manager Greg Beck: "(Thomas) has a good turn of speed, good skills, he reads the play really well and, importantly, he has got a terrific work ethic."

The last player I remember Beck describing like that was Aaron Fiora.

No representive games, rarely appears in the best players for Oakleigh, I hope the club know what their doing.

Yeah, I agree TF. I don’t put any faith in anything that fool Beckwit says. I can’t help but think this is once again a big publicity stunt to calm down the seething masses. Surely not though – something as important as this and a young kid’s career as well, surely not ?

I am not committing one way or the other, (and believe me I truly hope I am wrong when I say this), but I saw young Tom at training a few weeks ago and personally, I did not think he was that impressive. He was practicing his goal kicking from set shots just on the 50 metre line and well….it wasn’t that good. Couldn’t make it anywhere near the distance and his kicking style was rough as well.

But I haven’t seen him play a game. He’s young and had injuries. Give him the benefit.

I hope he kicks that loser Petrified out and acquires the number 8 jumper…….
 
Saw Roach Jnr on 10 news and he looks 13 :-[.

The club is effectively giving up a sub 40 pick for this kid and considering he won't be at the draft camp it is a huge risk. It's very romantic to have the son of a former champ join their fathers club but in the modern game there is very little room for sentamentality especially with recruiting. I really have to question the merit of announcing this so soon and I can't help but think the club haven't done enough homework on Roach Jnr. But I hope he proves me wrong.
 
I too Harry am baffled as to why the club would rush into and announcing this about T. Roach???

Obviously they feel the need to 'change the topic' as far as our rabble are concerned, but does the kid have the potential to make an impact down the track???

In saying that, if this decision meant that Kayne was to exit Punt Road, I am inclined to feel some joy for 2 reasons.

1 - Kayne would be exiting Punt Road :D
2 - We all want kids, some blossom later and hopefully the son of a champ will become one himself.

He (Thomas Roach) has a lot in his favour - his blood lines, his father has won a premiership and as we all know, being a champion 'junior' footballer does not mean a thing when it comes to the big time. Hopefully he can learn and progress - which will be virtually impossible mind you with Spud at the realm.
 
If he hasn't played any representative games or been in the best for Oakleigh then he sounds like a smokey that no other club would be looking at. Why then are we utilising our 3rd round pick. Surely Richmond could have kept their mouths shut and picked him up with a later pick.

Anyone heard any news on young Raines?
 
after saturday,s effort im more than happy we pick up a player who at least i know would spill blood for the jumper.
 
Hmmm, im not to sure on this either, I mean if he was a well publicised junior and all the timing would have made sense, but Tom Roach isnt outstanding, he is a good player but 3rd round, im not too sure.....having watched a couple of games of his I mean I dunno, i'll reserve my judgement on this for the time being..


The Richmond Football Club is really messed up at the moment. Good Luck Tommy.
 
For God's sake, dont crucify the boy before he starts...Good luck to him.

The other good piece of news is that Pettifer would be very nervous I suspect.................. :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(

Had his chance and blew it
 
I really hope Thomas is a success. Disco Roach gave the supporters plenty to cheer about.
I wonder what nickname Thomas will get ?
 
At least with picking up young Roach they haven`t wasted that pick on some "has been hack".
Better not speak to soon there are still other picks in the draft.
 
I hope he does well, but

it appears to be a feel good story to try and keep the fans quiet while Frawley sets about destroying the club.

i saw him train a few weeks back, and he looked small, slow and average skills, hope he turns out to be a good player, just hope we havent rushed into a decision and wasted a 3rd round pick