Richmond keen on VFL small forward Sam Lowson ahead of mid-season draft, with Carlton and North Melbourne circling

Richmond has joined the chase for VFL target Sam Lowson, who has “AFL traits” and lightning speed. WATCH the highlights which have AFL clubs tracking the small forward ahead of the mid-season draft.

Coburg small forward Sam Lowson has interest from three AFL clubs ahead of the mid-season draft. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images.

Richmond has joined the chase for lightning quick VFL forward Sam Lowson, with his VFL coach backing him to make an impact in the AFL this year.

Lowson had a handful of AFL clubs watching him live on the weekend and is set to meet with Richmond, Carlton and North Melbourne ahead of May 27’s mid-season draft.

Coburg coach Leigh Adams, who retired from concussion after 104 AFL games, said Lowson’s breakneck pace would rival any player currently in the AFL system.

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He is hopeful the young star is drafted by a club to give him a chance in an elite system after he was promoted through Coburg’s pathways after playing with East Ringwood.

The 23-year-old has kicked 14 goals this year, the most in the VFL, with Adams adamant he has a well-rounded game suited to AFL.

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“He has had a ripping start to the season and has just some got some real AFL traits. His speed is phenomenal. I saw a story in the Herald Sun talking about the top five GPS speeds and I reckon his speed would be in the top five. He is a really tough match-up. If you play a small on him he gets them in the air and if you get a tall on him he gets them on the ground.

“He is a dual threat and I think if he gets the opportunity he will be comfortable playing AFL footy.

“I could see him slotting into an AFL team and having an impact because he can kick goals and put on forward pressure. That’s what AFL clubs want these days.”

Sam Lowson’s explosiveness has won plenty of fans in the VFL. Picture: Michael Dodge/AFL Photos/Getty Images.

Richmond currently has a pick in the top 10 of the mid-season draft, with clubs still considering whether to take picks.

Hawthorn football boss Graham Wright said yesterday the Hawks weren’t sure whether to take advantage of Tim Mohr’s long-term injury by taking a selection.

He said with clubs mining the VFL and other state leagues in recent years the Hawks weren’t sure how many standout selections would be available.

But it is a virtual free hit for clubs with a retirement or long-term injury because they can retain a player on their list if he performs in the back half of the year.

Carlton’s Michael Gibbons has turned into one of footy’s best runners since entering an elite system and Adams believes carpenter Lowson would also thrive in a 24/7 football environment.

“He is on site at 7am and can finish at 3pm or 3.30pm and could be working all over Melbourne,” he said.

“He can come straight to Coburg by 5pm and train for two and a half hours and get home at 9.30pm and be up by 5am again. It’s a tough ask for these guys but it makes them a lot more well-prepared if they get drafted. It’s an easier transition.”