PARKER BECOMES A TIGER VIA MID-SEASON DRAFT

Richmond has selected Matthew Parker from South Fremantle with pick No.10 in tonight’s AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

Parker comes to the Tigers following a best-on-ground performance for the Bulldogs last weekend, finishing with four goals from 26 possessions, nine marks, six inside-50s and three tackles against West Coast’s reserves side in the WAFL.

A fortnight earlier, the 25-year-old kicked two goals representing Western Australia in a state game against South Australia at Adelaide Oval.

Parker played 19 games for St Kilda between 2019 and 2020 after being selected with pick No. 47 in the 2018 AFL National Draft.

Richmond National Recruiting Manager, Matt Clarke, said Parker’s athleticism made him a target for the Tigers.

“We were looking for someone that could add some really dynamic movement to the way we play, and we like his athletic upside,” he said.

“He has been playing great football as a half-forward/wing, and on ball, so we are really excited to have him.

“He has got great leg speed (and he is) a really good runner. He has got some aerial power and knows how to kick goals as well.

“He did that for the Saints in 2019, and he has obviously been hitting the scoreboard this year as well.”

Clarke added that Parker could push for senior selection this year.

“He has got a developed body, he is a mature player, and he has experienced AFL footy before,” he explained.

“He has played a lot of league footy in the WAFL as well, so there is no reason to suggest he can’t play senior footy this year.”

Arriving at Punt Road will be a reunion of sorts for Parker, a close friend of Richmond’s mid-season draftee from 2019, Marlion Pickett.

“He is very close with Marlion Pickett. Marlion is the one who got him down to South Fremantle and took him under his wing; he has been a mentor to him and also a really good mate.

“Marlion is as excited as anybody (to have Parker at the Club).”

Parker becomes the ninth Indigenous player on Richmond’s list and the fourth from Western Australia.

Matthew Parker profile

Born: 25/1/1996

Height: 187cm

Weight: 79kg

Position: Midfield-forward

From: Melville (WAAFL)/South Fremantle (WAFL)/St Kilda (AFL)/South Fremantle (WAFL)

CREDIT – By Richmond Media from Richmond website