Tigers pounce on Ocean Grove product

GEELONG VFL defender Kye Annand is headed to the AFL after Richmond selected the 22-year-old with pick two in last week’s mid-season rookie draft.

The 22-year-old, who came through Ocean Grove Football Club and was part of South Barwon’s Geelong Football League squad this season, was picked up by the Tigers after an impressive start to the VFL campaign.

Standing at 200cm, Annand only transitioned into a full-time defensive role this year after spending most of his career as a ruck-forward.

Since joining Geelong’s VFL program in 2023, he has played 26 games for the Cats.

In five VFL appearances this season, Annand showcased his intercept marking and defensive craft, with standout performances against Essendon and Collingwood in rounds 1 and 7.

Annand could come into immediate contention for a Richmond debut, with injuries taking a heavy toll on the Tigers’ list in recent weeks.

Richmond sits 17th on the ladder with a 2–10 record and faces clashes with Brisbane, North Melbourne and Collingwood in the weeks ahead.

Annand was not the only Geelong VFL player to earn an AFL call-up, with teammate Marcus Herbert selected by West Coast after a dominant start to the season.

The 23-year-old, who came through Hampden League club South Warrnambool and also spent time at Leopold in the Geelong Football League, has served as Geelong’s vice-captain this season.

The AFL mid-season rookie draft allows clubs with vacant list spots, often created by long-term injuries or retirements, to recruit players during the season.