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Player Watch #43: Derek Eggmolesse-Smith

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Royce Hafey said:
Reminds me fo Cab Calloway.
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http://vfl.com.au/afl-draft-watch-derrick-smith/

Derek Smith has travelled all over Victoria to play football in 2017, from his home town of Wentworth in NSW to Punt Road Oval – the heartland of the sport’s biggest story of the year.

The 186cm 19-year-old made five appearances for Richmond’s VFL team as the 23rd player this season, averaging 14 disposals at 86 per cent efficiency and four marks per game running from defence, with his experience allowing him to build connections with AFL Tigers involved in the club’s drought-breaking premiership triumph.

Smith also played for the Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup this year, as well as for local clubs the Fitzroy Stars (Northern FNL) and Wentworth (Sunraysia FNL).

vfl.com.au spoke to Smith at the recent Victorian State Draft Combine at Etihad Stadium ahead of the 2017 NAB AFL Draft on Friday November 24.

What strengths of yours have you been using to sell yourself to AFL clubs?
  • My run-and-carry, my smarts in marking the ball and I can kick on both legs.
What parts of your game do you know you’ll need to work on if you’re drafted?
  • Probably my strength one-on-one against bigger bodies.
Which AFL players do you particularly like to watch and model your game on?
  • One was Chris Yarran (ex-Carlton and Richmond) but he’s not playing any more.
How would you assess your 2017 season?
  • It’s been a bit of a bumpy ride. I’ve been pretty much all over Victoria playing (at various levels), but I’ve handled it pretty well. I liked all the boys from Richmond’s AFL team getting around me as well; I’ve been hanging around the younger ones a lot. I’ve been playing pretty much off half back and on a wing. At local level, they just chuck me in the midfield to help out a bit. Wherever they put me, I’ll play.
What expectations did you have for yourself at the start of the year?
  • At the start of this year I just wanted to play footy and do my best. Last year I was playing locally back home and just focusing on that. I didn’t think I’d be in this position I’m in.
What do you think was your best individual performance of the season?
  • My last game against Sandringham (19 disposals and five marks in a 70-point win in Round 18). I played to my strengths really well, marking the ball in packs and running and carrying.
Who do you think has had the biggest influence on your football in the VFL?
  • Probably the Korin Gamadji Institute (for indigenous youth development) at Richmond. I’ve been hanging around them a lot for the past three years. Xavier Clarke, a development coach, as well. I’ve developed my talking ability and the KGI has helped with my shyness. I wouldn’t have done this (on-camera interview) two years ago!
Which of your teammates do you think should also be talked about as draft prospects?
  • There’s one that has been a 23rd player as well, Shaun Mannagh. He played three finals, including the Grand Final.
 

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I played footy with one of Derek's first cousins, was supremely talented, just didn't have the application and had more important things than footy in his life (young family).
I used to see Derek pop up on my Facebook feed every now and again when he'd play in some of those special indigenous carnivals, decked out in his Millewah Suns kit. Never knew just how good he was though.
Hope he becomes a star for the mighty RFC.
 
GoTigers2015 said:
http://vfl.com.au/afl-draft-watch-derrick-smith/

Derek Smith has travelled all over Victoria to play football in 2017, from his home town of Wentworth in NSW to Punt Road Oval – the heartland of the sport’s biggest story of the year.

The 186cm 19-year-old made five appearances for Richmond’s VFL team as the 23rd player this season, averaging 14 disposals at 86 per cent efficiency and four marks per game running from defence, with his experience allowing him to build connections with AFL Tigers involved in the club’s drought-breaking premiership triumph.

Smith also played for the Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup this year, as well as for local clubs the Fitzroy Stars (Northern FNL) and Wentworth (Sunraysia FNL).

vfl.com.au spoke to Smith at the recent Victorian State Draft Combine at Etihad Stadium ahead of the 2017 NAB AFL Draft on Friday November 24.

What strengths of yours have you been using to sell yourself to AFL clubs?
  • My run-and-carry, my smarts in marking the ball and I can kick on both legs.
What parts of your game do you know you’ll need to work on if you’re drafted?
  • Probably my strength one-on-one against bigger bodies.
Which AFL players do you particularly like to watch and model your game on?
  • One was Chris Yarran (ex-Carlton and Richmond) but he’s not playing any more.
How would you assess your 2017 season?
  • It’s been a bit of a bumpy ride. I’ve been pretty much all over Victoria playing (at various levels), but I’ve handled it pretty well. I liked all the boys from Richmond’s AFL team getting around me as well; I’ve been hanging around the younger ones a lot. I’ve been playing pretty much off half back and on a wing. At local level, they just chuck me in the midfield to help out a bit. Wherever they put me, I’ll play.
What expectations did you have for yourself at the start of the year?
  • At the start of this year I just wanted to play footy and do my best. Last year I was playing locally back home and just focusing on that. I didn’t think I’d be in this position I’m in.
What do you think was your best individual performance of the season?
  • My last game against Sandringham (19 disposals and five marks in a 70-point win in Round 18). I played to my strengths really well, marking the ball in packs and running and carrying.
Who do you think has had the biggest influence on your football in the VFL?
  • Probably the Korin Gamadji Institute (for indigenous youth development) at Richmond. I’ve been hanging around them a lot for the past three years. Xavier Clarke, a development coach, as well. I’ve developed my talking ability and the KGI has helped with my shyness. I wouldn’t have done this (on-camera interview) two years ago!
Which of your teammates do you think should also be talked about as draft prospects?
  • There’s one that has been a 23rd player as well, Shaun Mannagh. He played three finals, including the Grand Final.
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SM was very handy on Sunday with good numbers and 3 snags.
 
SouthernStripes said:
Does anyone have any news on how he is traveling? Doesn’t seem as though he’s played any VFL yet so wondering if he’s injured?
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Yeah I’m the same as I was looking forward to seeing him permanently play in our VFL until he developed.
That Sandringham game he talked about as being his best , I agree he was magnificent to watch in full flight .
Disappointment was they took him off around the earlylast IIRC and we never saw him again. I’ll be at the VFL game in two weeks and I’m going to inquire with a polite staff member on why he’s not played. I’m hoping somebody already knows and can help us out.
 
TigerImposter said:
Yeah I’m the same as I was looking forward to seeing him permanently play in our VFL until he developed.
That Sandringham game he talked about as being his best , I agree he was magnificent to watch in full flight .
Disappointment was they took him off around the earlylast IIRC and we never saw him again. I’ll be at the VFL game in two weeks and I’m going to inquire with a polite staff member on why he’s not played. I’m hoping somebody already knows and can help us out.
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Thanks mate, let us know if you hear anything!
 
He is injured, hoping to be back soon
 

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TigerImposter said:
Yeah I’m the same as I was looking forward to seeing him permanently play in our VFL until he developed.
That Sandringham game he talked about as being his best , I agree he was magnificent to watch in full flight .
Disappointment was they took him off around the earlylast IIRC and we never saw him again. I’ll be at the VFL game in two weeks and I’m going to inquire with a polite staff member on why he’s not played. I’m hoping somebody already knows and can help us out.
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Also if CCJ is not back playing by then ask about too if we not heard by then, didn't play last week & not named this week either....
 
Spoke to my favourite Tiger trainer yesterday regarding Egg and unfortunately he’s still about three weeks away with uncertainty . He’s suffering from chronic shin soreness and is still fighting it . So for all of us that have been hanging out to see this silky young lad then we’re just going to have to wait a bit longer.
 
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TigerImposter said:
Spoke to my favourite Tiger trainer yesterday regarding Egg and unfortunately he’s still about three weeks away with uncertainty . He’s sufferinflg from chronic shin soreness and is still fighting it . So for all of us that have been hanging out to see this silky young lad then we’re just going to have to wait a bit longer.
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Poor bugger
 
richoplzbreed said:
He's not playing and zero mention on injury list. Something suspicious afoot me thinks?
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I've seen him in the stands on TV with the boys. Possibly still struggling with shin soreness (according to TI), so maybe slowly coming back with his feeder club but given the amount of time out may be struggling. Not easy to crack that VFL side right now.
 

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Player Watch #43: Derek Eggmolesse-Smith

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