Jarrod Brander excited by the prospect of heading to Richmond

RICHMOND is set to pounce on the best key forward in the draft, Jarrod Brander, who says it would be “awesome” if his name is read out by the Tigers tonight.

THE best key forward in the draft says it would be “awesome” if his name is read out by Richmond tonight.

Jarrod Brander was touted as a possible No.1 pick 12 months ago but has slipped down the rankings this year and is a chance to still be available at pick 17, the first of the Tigers’ three selections inside the top 25.

Brander stands 195cm and played forward and back for the Allies at this year’s under-18 championships.

“That would be awesome,” he said this morning of the prospect of being recruited by Richmond.

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“They came up and I had a good chat to them lately and it would be awesome if it got to there, but I’d be happy to go anywhere.

“I have played up both of the grounds a lot this year but I think I’m more of a natural forward and hopefully that’s where I end up playing.”

The Tigers’ lack of a second key forward to support Jack Riewoldt this year was well documented but a young key defender could be even higher on the priority list given the lack of depth behind Alex Rance (28) and the injury-prone Dylan Grimes and David Astbury.

Jarrod Brander is highly rated by the Tigers.

Brander is from Wentworth, half an hour from the NSW-Victoria border, and was originally zoned to GWS but became available to any team earlier this year after a fight led by Victorian clubs.

“There was a fair bit in the media about it but it didn’t bother me too much,” he said.

“I was just waiting for a decision, it took a fair while but when it came I just accepted it and moved on.”

Brander spoke to media in Sydney this morning alongside polished midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke, who is unlikely to slip outside the first five selections.

Davies-Uniacke was one of four players seen to be in the mix for Brisbane’s No.1 pick until the Lions settled on explosive forward Cameron Rayner this week.

The Rye junior said he was still in the dark about where he will end up and hadn’t heard from any clubs in recent days.

“(I have) zero clue. I’m so unsure what the go is so I’ll have to wait and see,” he said.

“I’m more than excited for tonight. No more sleeps now, the day’s finally come and I can’t wait.”

Luke Davies-Uniacke could be snapped up by the Kangaroos. Picture: Jason Sammon

The keen surfer said he was happy to move to Fremantle if the Dockers swooped with pick two.

If they choose Adam Cerra instead he is likely to land at North Melbourne, with Carlton keen on Bendigo Pioneers playmaker Paddy Dow.

“I’m happy to go anywhere and I’m sure Mum will be fine, she’ll have to get over it tonight.”

That would be a big win for the Kangaroos, who missed out on massive bids for Dustin Martin and Josh Kelly during the trade period.

“LDU” stands 187cm and 86kg and likens his game to Martin and tall midfielders Nat Fyfe and Marcus Bontempelli.

“It’s always been Nat Fyfe, Dustin Martin, Patrick Dangerfield (who I compare myself to) — the guys who go through the midfield and do some damage up forward.”

And he has high expectations for next year.

“I want to be playing Round 1.”