Richmond recruit Tom Hislop says enduring a fear of having his AFL career ended was the wake-up call he needed to make every attempt at becoming a success at a new club.

The midfielder was de-listed by Essendon in October partly because of a handful of off-field disciplinary issues, including being suspended from the 2008 pre-season competition for missing training the day after a drinking session.

But after he was thrown a lifeline by the Tigers in last month's national draft, Hislop, 20, is keen to make smarter decisions and fulfil his potential, after playing seven games for the Dons.

"I suppose it was a bit of a wake-up call for me and I'm going to give it everything I've got and hopefully I can make a career of it," said Hislop, selected by Richmond with pick No.58 as one of only four players recycled across the league.

"When I first came over (from Tasmania to Essendon), I had a few little hiccups, but I've learned from those lessons and I'm really looking forward to my time at Richmond.

"Everyone at (Richmond) has been great. They said they're going to judge me on what I do from day one here, which is great to have the head coach (Terry Wallace) behind me."

Hislop broke the mould for Richmond's draftees, as the other two players selected were tall, key-position types.

Ruckman Tyrone Vickery, chosen with pick No.8, is likely to start life in the forward line until he develops his frame for tap work.

Vickery, 18, the son of Richmond's boxing coach John, will start his career wearing No.29, but is a stark physical contrast to former Tiger rover Kevin Bartlett, famed for his comb-over and reluctance to handball.

"There's not many similarities, but I'll create my own legacy, hopefully, with it," said the 200cm, scruffy-haired Vickery.

"Hopefully I'm not earning the nickname `Hungry'."

Another young man competing for a spot as a key-position player is Jayden Post, who was rapt to meet one of his heroes, Tigers star Matthew Richardson.

"It is a bit of an eye-opener because he is a role model and shows you how hard you do have to work to be one of the best players in the competition," said Post, picked at No.26.

Both players are aiming to make their senior debuts next year.

Richmond, meanwhile, ruled out recruiting former West Coast star Ben Cousins in this month's pre-season draft.

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