World Footy News

Richmond have promoted James O’Reilly to its senior list less than a year after he joined the club. The Tigers first Irish recruit has been in fine form in the VFL, playing 12 matches with the Coburg Tigers, and will see this as a huge lift in his chances of playing for the senior side before the year is out.

O’Reilly (22), like many of his countrymen, is seen as a hard running half back/ midfield prospect. He was recruited after being scouted playing for his native Co. Down last year and was then invited to train at Tigerland. He obviously impressed and was picked up as an international rookie at pick 70 in the Rookie draft in December.

Richmond lost their first nine matches this year and some commentators were wondering if they would even win a single game for the year. Their season turned around with an away win over Port Adelaide and with Jack Riewolt on fire they managed to win five out of six matches. Head coach Damien Hardwick has blooded several rookies in what is the youngest and most inexperienced side in the AFL. If Hardwick maintains his promise of giving as much players game time as possible it is highly likely that O’Reilly will see some action before the year is out.