Geelong VFL stars Kye Annand and Marcus Herbert will get a chance to live out their AFL dream.
The duo have been selected in tonight’s Mid-Season Draft as clubs look to fill out their lists headed into the back half of the season.
Annand, a product of Bellarine club Ocean Grove who is aligned to GFNL outfit South Barwon this year, was scooped up by Richmond with the second pick.
The 22-year-old 200cm defender was managed by the Cats at VFL level last week, with the expectation he would head to the AFL level.
Annand has appeared in five VFL games for the Cats this season, with a best showing of 19 touches against Collingwood in Round 7
Richmond’s national recruiting manager Rhy Gieschen says the club was excited by his size and intercept ability.
“Importantly, he is a quality person off the field who has been working full time as a plumber, whilst developing his game at VFL level as a semi-professional athlete,” he said.
“It’s been great getting to know him and his family over the last little period.
“He’s got a good personality, and I think the fans will be really excited about welcoming him to Richmond.”
Herbert, a former GWV Rebel in the Talent League from Hampden club South Warrnambool, is headed to West Coast.
The 23-year-old, who featured in Geelong league club Leopold’s 2022 grand final loss to St Mary’s, has appeared in 66 games for the Cats since 2021, including seven games this season, picking up more than 30 disposals in the past three games.
Eagles recruiting boss Duane Massey said the Cats’ vice-captain’s consistency stood out.
“We have been impressed with the consistency of his performance over multiple seasons,” Massey said.
“He possesses the versatility to impact in a range of roles, underpinned by his contest work, composure, and ability to execute by hand or foot under pressure.”
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