Richmond says pick 21 Thomson Dow should dream of Round 1 debut against brother Paddy

Richmond says its newest Tiger Thomson Dow should be dreaming of a Round 1 debut against his brother Paddy after being taken with pick No. 21 in Wednesday’s draft.

The magic of premiership coach Damien Hardwick means No. 21 draft pick Thomson Dow could make his debut playing against brother Paddy Dow in the Richmond-Carlton Round 1 blockbuster next year.

The Tigers visited the Dow family’s stone fruit orchard in Swan Hill on Friday before closing in on the midfielder who only turned 18 last month.

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“I’ve said this the last few years – with our coach, who knows (if Dow could debut in Round 1?” chief recruiter Matthew Clarke told the Herald Sun post-draft.

“If (Hardwick) thinks they train well enough and he finds a spot for them, he’ll pick them.

“It’s not like he’s going to say, ‘He’s a first-year player he has to wait’. He’s always had the courage to play players if he wants to.”

Thomson Dow was drafted to Richmond at pick 21. Picture: NAB League.

While a teenager breaking into the reigning premier’s best 22 straight away seems unlikely, Tiger fans can get excited at Dow’s lightning hands when an opportunity does arrive.

“He’s slightly different (to brother Paddy). He’s a little bit leaner through the body, they’re different body shapes,” Clarke said.

“He places inside, he can also play a little bit forward, he’s got great speed and really good lateral movement.

“But he’s got terrific hands, that’s what we love about him, his ability to clear the footy. He’s played some really good footy when he’s gone forward for Geelong Grammar too.”

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The 182cm midfielder averaged 18 disposals for Vic Country this year.

“We had two or three in the mix. He (Dow) was a player that we rated a reasonable amount higher than where we picked him,” Clarke said.

“It was a little bit tight. We thought some clubs had done some trades that would come inside our pick that was a little bit of a concern, but we’re really happy.”

Thomson Dow completes the agility test at this year’s draft combine.

The Tigers have four more list spots open and will draft either three or four players tonight.

Originally published as Richmond says pick 21 Thomson Dow should dream of Round 1 debut against brother Paddy