Richmond has announced the exciting signing of 213cm college basketballer Mate Colina, who also happens to be the cousin of defender Noah Balta.
Colina, who has been playing basketball at the University of Hawaii in the last two years, has signed with the club as a category B rookie.
The 21-year-old said it was a “surreal” feeling to sign with the “prestigious” club.
“It’s pretty surreal,” Colina said in a club statement.
“I couldn’t be prouder to be with such a prestigious Club that has such a rich history and culture. I think it is a Club that in the long run would help me become a better person as well and a leader.”
“I think I will have the ability to both follow the ball in the ruck or be forward, and really provide a presence that can mark the ball.”
Richmond general manager of football talent Blair Hartley said Colina was well-placed to succeed at AFL level.
“We see a lot of transferable skills in Mate, and as a Club we’re excited by what he might be able to achieve,” he said.
“Mate is already a highly professional and diligent athlete, so we feel he is well placed to take on the challenge of becoming an AFL player.
“We look forward to when he is next at the Club and seeing more of him, this time training with our entire squad.”
If he makes his AFL debut, he’ll become the game’s tallest player, superseding the 211cm Collingwood ruckman Mason Cox.