Richmond yet to commit to selecting son of former forward Chris Naish in 2017 draft

FORMER Richmond forward Chris Naish says the recruitment of his son Patrick to Punt Road would be a dream come true — but will the Tigers make it happen?

Patrick Naish is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his dad Chris and land at Richmond.

FORMER Richmond forward Chris Naish says the recruitment of his son, Patrick, to Punt Road would be a dream come true.

But despite a brilliant national under-18 championships the Tigers have stopped short of committing to silky halfback Patrick Naish, a potential first-round pick in November’s draft.

Medium-sized defender Patrick yesterday won All-Australian U18 honours after averaging 519 metres gained — the No.1 ranked player in that category — across the four games.

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Patrick Naish is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his dad Chris and land at Richmond.

He averaged 89 ranking points, an elite 22 disposals and kicked three goals, but won only 22 per cent of his disposals in the contest.

The Tigers have their own first-round pick (currently at pick 15) and Geelong’s first selection (pick 16), with Naish likely to be a late first-rounder.

Under the AFL’s father-son bidding system, playing their hand early would be counter-productive given they have to match a rival bid.

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I feel so old that Patrick Naish is coming through the Richmond ranks #gotiges

— Lauren Clearihan (@LozzzaC) June 25, 2017

AFL Academy member Naish spent time at Richmond over the summer and still attends Richmond games with 143-game Tigers veteran Chris and siblings Xavier, Rose and Charlie.

“He would love to play for Richmond and he would go to any club to get an opportunity, but he has got a real soft spot for the Tigers,” Reach Foundation chief executive Chris Naish said yesterday.

Patrick Naish has been a star for Vic Metro during the U18 Championships. Picture: Getty Images

“Richmond often drop him a line and encourage him and wish him all the best, but nothing more than that.

“I don’t think they are allowed to either. They would have wanted to look at his carnival and sit back and see how it unfolded.

“He is enjoying himself and having fun and getting a few kicks, but at the same time he has a lot to learn which is a part of being 18.”

Patrick Naish one of the best for Vic Metro today. Welcome to @Richmond_FC #fatherson #finally 😀

— Jim Petropoulos (@jim_petrop32) June 24, 2017

The Northern Knights prospect first spent time at Richmond after the nnder-16 carnival and spent some Tuesday and Thursday nights there last year.

In December he completed another training block with the club, thrilled to be taken to lunch by Trent Cotchin and develop a relationship with Damien Hardwick.

“He had the two weeks there and loved it,” Chris Naish said.

Chris Naish played 143 games for Richmond.

“If it did fall that way he would be more familiar with some of his idols who he loves watching. “He loved training with Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin and rubbing shoulders with some of the young guys.

“We still go as a family to watch, all four kids and my wife and I follow the Tigers, so no doubt it would be great (if they drafted him).”

Chris Naish, quality small forward. 161 games, 228 goals. @Richmond_FC @PAFC @WangMagpies #AFL pic.twitter.com/0FHyc35nTj

— Past Player (@pastplayer) May 7, 2015

Naish will play another game and a final for Ivanhoe Grammar then finish the TAC Cup season at the Northern Knights.

Chris Naish played for eight years at the Tigers then added 18 games in two years with Port Adelaide before working with the NBL and as the CFO of AFL SportsReady.

Originally published as Richmond yet to commit to selecting son of former forward Chris Naish in 2017 draft