Former Tassie Devil Rhyan Mansell signed by the AFL Tigers

Tassie AFL recruit Rhyan Mansell tells all on rubbing shoulders with new teammates Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin

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IT blows Rhyan Mansell’s mind just being in the same room or on the training track as Richmond superstars like Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin.

To think he is now one of them at Tigerland is a reality with reigning premier Richmond signed the 180cm speedy defender after a highly-impressive preseason trial.

The 20-year-old Tasmanian, who grew up in the Launceston suburb of Prospect and played TSL for North Launceston, including three premierships, and three seasons with the Tasmanian under-18s, officially became an AFL-listed player yesterday.

Mansell moved to Adelaide to get noticed in the SANFL with Woodville West Torrens, and did exactly that in the club’s premiership season last year as a hard-running, close-checking defender.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 18: Rhyan Mansell of the Tigers looks on after kicking a goal during a Richmond Tigers training session at Punt Road Oval on February 18, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“I’m super-stoked – words can’t describe how I’m feeling right now,” Mansell said.

“Especially getting to a team that has just gone back-to-back, and has a lot of history and a lot of fans and gets to play at the ‘G’ most weeks.

Tasmanian State League football match. Qualifying final. Glenorchy V North Launceston. North LauncestonÕs Rhyan Mansell takes a mark ahead of team mate Jake Pearce and GlenorchyÕs Brayden Webb Picture: EDDIE SAFARIK

“It’s pretty surreal – something that I’ve dreamt of from a young kid.

“All of the players have been very welcoming and very humble and they have helped me so much and I’m super-keen to be able to play footy with those boys.”

He was “brown in one eye and yellow in the other” as a kid.

“I went for Hawthorn growing up, with the Launceston connection,” he said.

“But I’ve always liked the Tigers.”

Eagles v West Adelaide SANFL game at Woodville Oval. Eagles Rhyan Mansell tackled by WestÕs Kenny Karpani. 8 August 2020. Picture Dean Martin

When Mansell landed at Tigerland for his preseason apprenticeship on January 7, his goal was not only to make the cut.

“I wanted to earn the respect of the players and coaches, and everyone else around the club, and not to take anything for granted,” he said.

“I missed out in three or four AFL Drafts so I wanted to make the most of my opportunity and not look back and wish I’d done this or that.

“I took it on head-first and it has gotten me to where I am.”