MANSELL EXCITES TIGERS

TASMANIAN Rhyan Mansell might not have taken the traditional route to the AFL but it hasn’t stopped him earning a two-year contract with Richmond.

The former North Launceston player was only picked up by the Tigers as a supplementary selection in February after being a premiership player with Woodville West Torrens in South Australia after his days with the Northern Bombers.

He quickly impressed, playing 13 games in his debut season as a hard-nosed, small defender.

Richmond general manager for football talent Blair Hartley said Mansell, 21, was a key part of the club’s future.

“He has thoroughly deserved the senior opportunities he received this year and we are excited to see him continue to progress across the next two years and beyond,” Hartley said.