Richmond selects former Bomber Paige Scott in 2024 AFLW draft

Paige Scott’s future was in the air when they delisted themself from Essendon after a botched trade request. Every club passed them by, until Richmond pounced on the former No.8 pick.

Richmond has been richly rewarded for holding its nerve, securing self-delisted former Bomber Paige Scott with pick 31 in a draft heist on Monday night.

Scott’s request to join Richmond fell through during the AFLW Trade Period with the Tigers and Essendon unable to strike a deal.

Instead of returning to the Bombers, the No. 8 selection from the 2022 draft controversially axed themself from Essendon’s list and nominated for the AFLW Draft.

“While it’s disappointing to lose a player of Paige’s talent, we accept their decision to remove themself from our list,” Essendon AFLW list boss Alysha Ward said last week.

Paige Scott delisted themself from Essendon’s list and nominated for the AFLW draft. Picture: Michael Klein

“This decision has been a harmonious one and Paige leaves us here at Essendon on good terms and with our well wishes.”

“Paige will always be an inaugural Bomber and we wish them all the best in their next chapter.”

Every club had the chance to select Scott – some having multiple opportunities – but the 169cm talent slid all the way to Richmond’s second round selection at 31 in a dream result for the Tigers.

The 20-year-old took out a Rising Star nomination in their first AFLW game and kicked 12 goals across 28 games for Essendon.

READ MORE: EVERY CLUB’S FULL DRAFT HAUL

At 169 centimetres, Scott’s contested marking, power and speed can give Richmond’s forward line an immediate boost and the Tigers also believe Scott can go through the midfield.

It wasn’t the only steal for the Tigers on draft night.

Earlier, the Tigers landed AFLW national championships most valuable player Sierra Grieves with their first selection at pick 11.

Grieves is a ball-magnet who attacks the opposition with the same ferocity, averaging 30.2 disposals and 7.5 tackles per game at Coates Talent League Level for the Western Jets.

In any other draft she may well have been a top-three selection, but the depth at the top of the order meant she was still available when the Tigers were on the clock.

The inside midfielder has the traits and competitiveness to play right away for the Tigers and can support Richmond superstar Monique Conti in the engine room in time.

Originally published as Richmond selects former Bomber Paige Scott in 2024 AFLW draft