Liam Corrie in fight to become a Tiger
SOUTH Adelaide junior Liam Corrie is battling for a final spot on Richmond's rookie list.
SOUTH Adelaide junior Liam Corrie is battling for a final spot on Richmond's rookie list.
One of two SA youngsters given the chance to fight for an AFL career in the first ever train-on squad draft last week, Corrie will spend this week with the Tigers before returning for Christmas and then the first three months of next year training at Punt Rd.
The opportunity comes after a season in which the highly-skilled left-footer was limited to just four under-18 games with the Panthers because of knee, back and hamstring injuries.
But the Tigers have admired Corrie from afar since he made his debut in the Panthers' league side as a 16-year-old and have given him the chance to prove he belongs at AFL level.
And while the $635 weekly pay he will receive is far less than what star Tigers Brett Deledio and Jack Riewoldt earn, it's almost double what he's paid as a first-year carpentry apprentice.
A product of Morphett Vale Football Club's junior program, Corrie will need to be at his best to beat mature-age rivals Travis Casserly and Mitch Keddell for a rookie contract.
Casserly, a 23-year-old rebounding defender from WAFL premier Swan Districts, has been given another chance after spending three years on Richmond's list from 2006-08.
Keddell is a 22-year-old midfielder from Port Melbourne.
Both have years of experience on 18-year-old Corrie, but that is not expected to count against him if he can get his fitness right.
"I would have liked to have done a little bit more running before heading over but I'll just go there and do my best," Corrie said.
"I didn't think I was going to get picked up this year because of all my injuries so it's great just to be given a chance."
The Tigers described Corrie as an "outstanding tackler, who enjoys the physical aspects of the game and creates real nervousness in opposition backlines" in a statement on their club website last week. "Liam has had an injury-interrupted couple of years, with some knee and hamstring issues, but we have continued to keep a close eye on him," the statement read.
"We look forward to Liam working on his fitness and putting forward his case for a spot on our rookie list."
Under a new rule introduced this year, clubs are permitted to trial three players for one vacancy before making a final decision in March.
Train-on players are eligible to train with their club during the preseason and may play NAB Cup matches.
Hawthorn was the other club to take advantage of the new rule.