East Sandringham
Hampton Rovers
Sandringham Dragons
Essendon
2007 The Swans pulled off a
recruiting coup by snaring him from Essendon at the end of
2005. Although he was dropped at one stage in 2006, he
bounced back strongly to provide the Swans with great
versatility. Can play in any key-position and his form over
the second half of the season, particularly in the Grand
Final, was a revelation. A strong mark. Career
The utility was Essendon's second round selection - 27
overall - in the 2000 Draft. Strong VFL form earned him two
senior games in 2002 and that increased to ten games the
following year, from which he booted nine goals. Though at
times outstanding in 2004, he struggled with consistency and
managed just 11 games. Played the final seven games in 2005
(ten in total) but limited opportunity, and the chance to
work with the Swans coaching staff and player group prompted
talks for a trade north (for picks 19 and 51 in the 2005
Draft). In his first season in the red and white, Richards
was used in a variety of roles at both ends of the ground
and handled each of them, but proved a revelation in defence
in the latter stages of the season, culminating in a great
performance in the Grand Final. Ended up playing all but two
mid-season games to prove a valuable acquisition. Player honours:
National AFL Rising Star nominee 2003. Draft history:
2000 National AFL Draft 2nd round selection (Essendon) No.
27 overall on-traded by Geelong to West Coast to Essendon
for Michael Prior.
Chris Dawes
AFL Club
Collingwood
Guernsey
Number:
31
Height
193cm
Weight:
100kg
Drafted:
2006
AFL Debut:
Yet to debut
Date of
Birth:
16 May 1988
Former
Clubs:
Hampton Rovers
Sandringham Dragons
Collingwood's third pick at
No. 28 overall in the 2006 AFL Draft spent most of 2007
recovering from a knee reconstruction he underwent late in
2006. A powerful key forward, Dawes impressed late in the
year in a series of encouraging performances for the club's
VFL affiliate Williamstown, showing a propensity to lead
hard, mark strongly and crash through packs. A young player
the Magpies hope will develop into a long-term key forward
at AFL level. Draft history: 2006 AFL Draft 2nd round selection (Collingwood) No. 28
overall
Daniel
Hughes enjoyed a good year in 2006, and was retained on
Melbourne's rookie list for another season. He continued his
development in the VFL, and is a clever medium/tall forward
who has shown he has the ability to play in a number of
positions. He is quick off the mark, and possesses good
hands with a huge vertical leap. Has enjoyed a good
pre-season and will be raring to go for 2007.
