TonyK
CibbuanoTigers rapt to secure Polak
October 13th 2006 05:09
The Richmond Football Club is delighted with the recruitment of Graham Polak from Fremantle on the final day of the AFL's trade week.
Polak, 22, 195cm and 94kg, was traded in a deal which sees Richmond swap first-round picks with Fremantle (8 for 13), as well as a third and fourth-round exchange of selections.
The Tigers have earmarked Polak for centre half-back and believe he willprovide a significant boost to their defence with his height, strength and courage. They also recognise his potential to fill a key role up forward if required.
Richmond coach Terry Wallace said the club was keen to secure Polak's services and believed the former Docker will be a important asset to the club as they strive to make the finals after finishing ninth this year.
"There's no doubting Graham's ability and, at just 22, we're excited about what he has to offer us over the next decade.
"As a young, key-position player, we feel he'll fit really well into our youthful group, who are all coming through together."
Polak, was the No. 4 pick overall in the 2001 National Draft behind Luke Hodge, Luke Ball and Chris Judd.
He made his debut with the Dockers early in 2002 and was impressive in six appearances, until a shoulder injury forced him out for the rest of the season.
In 2003, Polak was runner-up to Hawthorn's Sam Mitchell in the AFL's Rising Star award, finishing ahead of young players of the calibre of Luke Ball and Daniel Wells.
Polak's league career has stalled over the past couple of years, primarily due to a lack of opportunity, but he is eagerly awaiting a
fresh start at Tigerland.
"I'm really stoked to be going to Richmond," Polak said.
"It's the club I wanted to go to and to get there is a big relief.
"I met Terry (Wallace) a couple of weeks ago and got along really well with him, and I reckon he'll be able to get the best out of me."
"I just can't wait to get started there."
Polak, 22, 195cm and 94kg, was traded in a deal which sees Richmond swap first-round picks with Fremantle (8 for 13), as well as a third and fourth-round exchange of selections.
The Tigers have earmarked Polak for centre half-back and believe he willprovide a significant boost to their defence with his height, strength and courage. They also recognise his potential to fill a key role up forward if required.
Richmond coach Terry Wallace said the club was keen to secure Polak's services and believed the former Docker will be a important asset to the club as they strive to make the finals after finishing ninth this year.
"There's no doubting Graham's ability and, at just 22, we're excited about what he has to offer us over the next decade.
"As a young, key-position player, we feel he'll fit really well into our youthful group, who are all coming through together."
Polak, was the No. 4 pick overall in the 2001 National Draft behind Luke Hodge, Luke Ball and Chris Judd.
He made his debut with the Dockers early in 2002 and was impressive in six appearances, until a shoulder injury forced him out for the rest of the season.
In 2003, Polak was runner-up to Hawthorn's Sam Mitchell in the AFL's Rising Star award, finishing ahead of young players of the calibre of Luke Ball and Daniel Wells.
Polak's league career has stalled over the past couple of years, primarily due to a lack of opportunity, but he is eagerly awaiting a
fresh start at Tigerland.
"I'm really stoked to be going to Richmond," Polak said.
"It's the club I wanted to go to and to get there is a big relief.
"I met Terry (Wallace) a couple of weeks ago and got along really well with him, and I reckon he'll be able to get the best out of me."
"I just can't wait to get started there."
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