The ‘Wangaratta bolter’ who is a chance to be drafted inside the top 30

There is a country footballer who has emerged as a bolter ahead of the 2022 AFL Draft later this month.

Wangaratta Magpies gun Joe Richards was invited to the Victorian Draft Combine in October after starring in the Ovens and Murray league throughout the season.

AFL Media’s draft guru Cal Twomey believes the 22-year-old is a chance to be picked up inside the top 30 of the November 28 and 29 draft.

So, who is the ‘Wangaratta bolter’?

“A boy called Joe Richards,” Twomey said on SEN’s Sportsday.

“A 22-year-old who played country footy this year. Has been on the radar of clubs at different points, but this year he has really come on.

“I think he’s going to be picked inside the first 30 or so selections.”

Twomey offered some further information on the AFL’s Road to the Draft digital show.

“Speak of bolters, he is the boy from Wangaratta who has played some country footy,” he added.

“He’s had a lot of interviews across this year. A speedy, small forward.

“One to keep an eye out for as a real bolter.”

The Border Mail recently reported that Collingwood, Port Adelaide, Geelong and Sydney have all shown interest in Richards.

He was coached at Wangaratta in 2022 by Magpies premiership player Ben Reid and dominated several key stats categories while kicking 29 goals in 19 outings.