Above: Piva Wright, pictured playing for Vic Country in the national carnival final, has been given a shot in the AFL, getting rookie listed by Richmond at pick 74 in Tuesday’s draft. 67344
By Jarrod Potter
SHOUTS of “Piva” could become the new “Cooney” or “Bruest” style chant for Richmond fans in years to come.
Piva Wright, 18, from Noble Park, is one of three Dandenong Stingrays players off to the Tigers next season, with Wright selected at pick 74 by Richmond in the rookie draft.
Wright will join other Shepley Oval alumni Todd Elton, pick 25 in the national draft on 24 November, and Brett O’Hanlon, pick 9 in Tuesday’s pre-season draft at the Tigers.
Darren Minchington was the other Stingray to get selected on Tuesday, going to St Kilda at pick 65 in the rookie draft.
Dandenong Stingrays coach Graeme Yeats was thrilled with the three Stingrays getting onto AFL lists on Tuesday.
“Had two years with Piva and he’s had his ups and downs, and times when he was going to make it and times when he wasn’t going to make it,” Yeats said.
“For him it’s a real chance to improve himself and challenge himself to achieve his best.
“There was a question mark over his ability to compete week to week, which was a challenge for some clubs, but now he gets his chance.”
Brett O’Hanlon, the Edithvale-Aspendale forward, was surprisingly overlooked in the national draft, but was picked up in the pre-season draft after a great year up forward for Dandenong.
“It’s a great result for Brett,” Yeats said.
“Would’ve had a difficult couple of weeks wondering if he was going to be picked.
“Had a tremendous season and deserved this opportunity.
“Richmond is getting a great kid who will put his head down and work really hard.”
The late season bolter Darren Minchington recovered from osteitis pubis to attract the attention of the Saints.
“There was a serious amount of clubs, four or five, interested in Darren,” Yeats said. “Powerful and quick and kicks the ball well and hope he gets an opportunity at some stage ’cause he’s a great kid and he’s one of the lucky ones.”
Dandenong’s three new Tigers will give Yeats plenty of reasons to watch the Black and Yellow in 2012.
“I’ll be having a close look at the Tigers this year if they get a game,” Yeats said. “Hopefully they get some kind of opportunity.”
It caps off a brilliant development season for the Stingrays, with four players – Matt Buntine, Nick Haynes, Elton and Jordan Kelly – selected in the national draft last month.
Former Stingray John McCarthy found a new home in the pre-season draft, picked up by Port Adelaide at pick three.
