A lot of time has lapsed since Tom Lee last played for St Kilda. 663 days to be precise. In that time, the former key forward from Claremont has transitioned into a completely different role at the opposite end of the ground. And it is in a defensive key post where he will get another opportunity to reignite his AFL career.
Lee, 25, last played at the highest level against West Coast in Round 14, 2014. But with the arrival of 2014 No. 1 pick Paddy McCartin and the emergence of Josh Bruce inside forward 50, the mature-age recruit has been forced to transform his game to earn another look at AFL level.
“It’s a great story isn’t it? I’m really looking forward to seeing how he goes,” Richardson told reporters at Melbourne airport on Friday.
“Tom came to our footy club as a forward; it wasn’t quite working for him.
“We went to the draft and got Paddy – Paddy will get opportunities there.
“Josh Bruce has done a really good job and that has seen Tom go back and play predominantly back all year last year in the VFL.”
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And it’s in the VFL where he has honed his craft as a key defender, starting with his one-on-one work and then with his penetrating foot skills which make him a damaging outlet option to turn defence into attack.
Lee was one of Sandringham’s best performers in the Zebra’s opening round loss to Box Hill last weekend, collecting 20 possessions and 12 marks – many from intercepts – and it’s that form that Richardson said earned the West Australian a recall.
“He’s in good form at VFL level and VFL form for us is important,” Richardson said.
“We’ve seen what [Darren] Minchington’s done on the back of strong performances back there.”
With Hawthorn possessing triple-premiership star Jack Gunston, emerging young guns James Sicily and Tim O’Brien, and ruckmen who are capable of hitting the scoreboard in Ben McEvoy and Jon Ceglar, Lee is set for an imposing assignment in Tasmania.
“He’ll get a good player, their forward line is full of them, so it will be a good opportunity for him,” Richardson said.
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