Three clubs have filled vacant list spots on pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP) deadline day, with Richmond signing an emotional forward Mykelti Lefau to a deal.
Lefau was part of Richmond’s VFL program and had been trialling with the Tigers for a rookie list spot alongside East Perth product Mitch Schofield since late last November.
The 26-year-old put his best foot forward during the Tigers’ match simulation against the Demons on Sunday, booting a fourth-period major and asserting himself physically in a performance that solidified his standing in the minds of Richmond’s list brain trust.
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“Mykelti has worked hard to put himself in this position, from learning the game as a teenager to coming back from a serious injury last year,” Richmond National Recruiting Manager Matt Clarke said on Monday.
“He has not put a foot wrong since he came to our Club and has shown across the past three months that he can blossom in a professional environment.
“We are excited to be adding him to our AFL list.”
Lefau was filmed by the Tigers’ media team calling his mum after finding out he’d officially become a Tiger.
Born in New Zealand, Lefau left Auckland for Melbourne in 2012 and participated in Melbourne Storm’s NRL development program before transitioning to Australian Rules.
Lefau joined Richmond’s VFL fray ahead of the 2022 campaign after playing matches for Casey in the VFL and St Kilda City in the Southern Football Netball League.
The mature-aged prospect, prior to Sunday’s outing, had turned heads throuhghout the pre-season in an attempt to secure an AFL opportunity.
Essendon’s Sam Durham, Hawthorn’s Massimo D’Ambrosio and former AFL-listed Bomber Garrett McDonagh have also been drafted out of the Tigers’ VFL program since 2021, while Jake Aarts also played 42 AFL games for the Tigers after being snatched from Richmond’s VFL contingent.
“This is a testament to Steve Morris, Ollie Grant and the guys that have been strongly involved in our VFL program. Trezise, Young and now Lefau in particular, were given opportunities in that program after previously playing local footy, so we are thrilled with the pathways being created,” Clarke added.
Clarke praised the unlucky Schofield, who could return to play in the WAFL this year, for his efforts across the pre-season.
“Mitch should be very proud of how he went about training with us these past few months, particularly having moved across the country from Perth,” he said.
“He gave us everything he had and has set himself up well for a strong season. We wish him well for what is to come in his football career.”
Also to earn an SSP lifeline on Monday was Tyler Sellers, who penned a deal with North Melbourne after impressing with three goals during the Roos’ intra-club hitout last week.
Sellers finished second in the North VFL best and fairest count last year after kicking 30 goals.
“We are excited to offer Tyler our final list spot ahead of the 2024 season,” North Melbourne list boss Brady Rawlings said.
“Tyler stood out to us with his overhead marking and goal kicking ability in the VFL last year and has continued to impress while training with us over the pre-season.
“He has brought a great attitude towards training, and we look forward to watching him further develop his skills and attributes with this opportunity at AFL level.”
Hawthorn also confirmed it’d acquired Box Hill Hawks defender Ethan Phillips ahead of the SSP deadline.
Phillips, the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal winner from the 2022 VFL season, essentially replaces James Blanck, who will miss the Hawks’ entire 2024 campaign after rupturing his ACL in last week’s intra-club clash.
“Having showcased his trade against AFL-listed forwards in the VFL, we believe Ethan is more than ready to take this next step,” Hawks list boss Mark McKenzie said.
“Deemed the VFL’s best intercept defender in 2022, Ethan has a remarkable ability to read the game and demonstrates a strong commitment to the one-on-one contest.
“Ethan’s journey from being overlooked in previous years to now realising his dream of playing in the AFL encapsulates a story of determination, perseverance and hard work.
“A readymade key defensive option, he now has the opportunity to further develop his skills and make an impact at AFL level.”
Overall, 10 players were picked up by AFL club’s during the SSP. Collingwood last week signed previously listed trio Jack Bytel, Josh Eyre and Lachie Sullivan, while Fremantle picked up ex-Sun Jeremy Sharp and ex-Bomber Patrick Voss. Elsewhere Melbourne gave Marty Hore a lifeline after impressive VFL form for Williamstown, while the Bulldogs picked up ex-Hawk Lachie Bramble.
— with Ben Waterworth
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