The Geelong stars that VFL gun and draft bolter models his game on

Richmond VFL star Sam Davidson is hoping to continue a long-standing draft tradition this season after winning the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell medal.

The last 17 winners of the award – which acknowledges the most promising young talent in the VFL competition – have been drafted to AFL clubs in the same year as claiming the gong and Davidson will attempt to make it 18 in a row in 2024.

The 21-year-old enjoyed an impressive first season in the state-league for the Tigers kicking 26 goals from 17 games as well as averaging 14 disposals.

Davidson says he was completely honoured to win the medal and he hopes it also leads to him having his name read out on draft night.

“I hope so (that it leads to me getting drafted), that award was a massive honour for me,” Davidson told AFL Trade Radio.

“Obviously, there's massive history there with the award winners going on to do great things in their AFL careers including Kane Lambert who helped out at Richmond a little bit this year.

“It is an exciting time and hopefully my name does get called out on draft night.

“It was a massive award to win for me, I was completely honoured to win it.”

Davidson has been described as a ‘draft bolter’ by AFL draft expert Kevin Sheehan and the young VFL Tiger confirmed that he’d already spoken to a handful of clubs about a potential AFL future.

“I've spoken to a handful of clubs,” Davidson said.

“I won't give you the exact number, but I've spoken to a handful of clubs and hopefully there’s a few more to come.

“We'll just go from there and see what happens.”

After playing 2024 in a variety of positions, Davidson was asked who he tries to model his game on and he chose two impressive Cats with some impressive athletic attributes.

“I like to think that I'm a bit of a utility,” Davidson said.

“I sort of got thrown around this year and even played some games in the ruck, unfortunately.

“But I sort of like to model a bit of my running game and utility ability on a Mark Blicavs.

“Then there’s also another player from Geelong who I think had a breakout year and he has the blonde hair as well in Ollie Dempsey and kicking a few goals like him.

“I’ve sort of got the forward smarts that he has … I'm a mobile high-half forward who enjoys kicking a goal.”

The 2024 AFL Draft begins on Wednesday, November 20 at Marvel Stadium.