AFL draft: Sam Lalor and Jagga Smith brace for early selections

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AFL draft: Sam Lalor and Jagga Smith brace for early selections

Explosive midfielder Sam Lalor would be “extremely proud” to be taken with the first pick in Wednesday’s AFL draft, but says Richmond has remained tight-lipped over its plans.

The Tigers hold the No. 1 pick among their eight selections inside the top 24 leading into the first round, and are considered likely to pounce on Lalor, who has tried to emulate Dustin Martin through his junior career.

The Baccus Marsh 18-year-old said he had recently met again with Tigers officials, but would not know their intentions until his name was called out.

“(Richmond is) obviously a great club with a big fanbase and in a good location … if it did happen that way, I would be really happy,” Lalor told reporters on Tuesday.

“I want to go as high as I can. I’d be happy to go everywhere still … but if it fell that way (pick one), I’d be extremely proud.

Camera IconTalented midfielders Sam Lalor (left) and Jagga Smith (right) are both expected to be taken with top-five picks in the opening round of the AFL draft on Wednesday night. Michael Klein Credit: News Corp Australia

“I’ll just be trying to keep myself distracted, and hopefully I can get a good sleep (Tuesday night).”

Lalor said he was a “caring person” that got along easily with all kinds of people.

He remained in touch with 2022 No. 1 and fellow Bacchus Marsh export Aaron Cadman, who he played with for the GWV Rebels in the Coates Talent League.

“To follow his journey was pretty cool, and I’m following a pretty similar thing (to) throughout his draft year,” Lalor said.

“I’ve spoken to him throughout the year, and he’s helped me with a lot of things with pressure, and footy … he’s been awesome.”

Lalor had shared a coffee with another form Bacchus Marsh local, Port Adelaide star Zak Butters, on Tuesday as he prepared for the start of his footy career.

“I caught up with (Butters) for a coffee this morning, and he just told me to enjoy my next couple of days,” Lalor said.

“He’s said that for a while now – just enjoy it while I can, and take it in my stride.”

Butters’ influence has not been confined to Lalor – he was also in the ear of fellow top-five prospect Jagga Smith, who has styled himself on the Power vice-captain.

“He was someone that was a similar frame to me, pretty skinny coming into the AFL, and he was able to impact straight away,” Smith said.

“He said, ‘don’t let size hold you back, just play to your strengths and you’ll be fine’.

“I’d say (my size is) a little bit of a chip on my shoulder … but I think I was able to prove this year at VFL level that I can go in and make an impact against senior bodies.”

The Oakleigh Chargers midfielder, who has lived in Richmond his whole life, acknowledged he had strong interest from Adelaide if he was still on the board at pick four.

“I have had some chats with Adelaide. They sound pretty interested in me, and if that’s what the outcome is, I’d be rapt. I’d love to go to Adelaide, as much as I would any team in Melbourne,” he said.

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