THE Richmond Football Club has announced that it has signed new contracts with Jake King, Chris Newman, Brandon Ellis and Nick Vlastuin.
The club has revealed that Newman and King have signed one-year deals while Ellis has a new deal through to the end of the 2015 season and Vlastuin has signed a deal through to the endof the 2016 season.
“It’s a fantastic result for the Club to extend the contracts of two of its brightest prospects and two of its most loyal servants,” said Richmond’s General Manager of Football, Dan Richardson.
“Brandon and Nick represent the future at Richmond, and they’ve already shown Tiger fans why they are regarded so highly within the Club.
“Chris has been an incredible player and leader over a long period of time, and Jake has been a great story of persistence and hard work.
“Along with Trent Cotchin’s contract extension last month, our list is in good shape for the future and we hope to secure a number of our other key players in the coming months.”
Vlastuin, 19, was the 9th pick of the 2012 National Draft, and has been impressive for the Tigers since making his debut in Round 5 against Fremantle this year. He picked up the NAB Rising Star nomination for his 23 disposals, 11 marks and one goal performance against Port Adelaide in Round 7 and the club’s faithful feel that they have a bona-fide star in the making.
Indeed, so far this year the 19-year-old has averaged 6.5 marks, 3.3 tackles, 2.5 inside-50s, 1.6 clearances, 0.8 rebound-50s, and has added six goals for the year in seven appearances.
Newman, 31, was the team captain from 2009-2012 and was drafted by the Tigers with the 55th overall selection of the 2000 National Draft. After 224 games for the club he remains a strong veteran presence for the club.
King, 29, was picked up by the Tigers with the 24th selection of the 2007 Rookie Draft and the small forward has now played 97 games for the club.
Ellis, 19, was the 15th pick of the 2011 National Draft has already played 30 games for the Tigers and picked up a Rising Star nomination for his 2012 Round 17 performance. He has continued to develop this year and had a career-high 39 disposals in Richmond’s Round 8 win against Melbourne, and played a major role last Saturday against Adelaide with 23 touches and two goals.
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Source: Football Nation