Derek Eggmolesse-Smith

Eggmolesse-Smith grew up in Wentworth, New South Wales, a country town on the border with Victoria near Mildura,{{cite news |title=AFL DRAFT WATCH – DEREK SMITH |url=https://vfl.com.au/afl-draft-watch-derrick-smith/ |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=VFL |publisher=Sports TG |date=9 November 2017}} and is of Indigenous Australian (Barkindji) descent.{{cite news |title=AFL Players' Indigenous Map 2018 |url=http://www.aflplayers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/AFLPA_Indigenous-Player-Map-Update-2018_HR.pdf |access-date=5 January 2020 |publisher=AFLPA |date=1 July 2018}} He played local junior football with Wentworth in the Sunraysia Football League (SNFL) including in an under 16s premiership in 2014 with fellow future AFL players Jarrod Brander and Kobe Mutch.{{cite news |last1=Dearlove |first1=Angus |title=Wentworth production line continues to build |url=http://www.sunraysiadaily.com.au/story/5095737/wentworth-production-line-continues-to-build/ |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=Sunraysia Daily |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=1 December 2017}} While eligible for the {{AFL GWS}} academy in Wentworth, a family move south of the border to Mildura made Eggmolesse-Smith eligible to join the {{AFL Ric}} academy in its first intake in 2016.{{cite news |last1=Homfray |first1=Rebecca |title=Derek Eggmolesse-Smith on his journey from country footy to the MCG with Richmond |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/derek-eggmolessesmith-on-his-journey-from-country-footy-to-the-mcg-with-richmond/news-story/48d96d4219f2778883ebb1421f0c964a |access-date=19 October 2020 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=24 July 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Cahill |first1=Georgina |title=Richmond Academy players train with the Tigers |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2017-02-20/richmond-academy-players-train-with-the-tigers |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=20 February 2017}} He was one of the first members of the club's newly created Next Generation Academy program for young Indigenous and multicultural players from the Sunraysia region of northern Victoria.

In 2016 he was a standout player for Wentworth in SFNL, finishing the season by winning both the league's Rising Star and Best and fairest awards.{{cite news |last1=Dealove |first1=Angus |title=Wentworth star heads for Richmond to chase the dream: Going to town |url=http://www.sunraysiadaily.com.au/story/4468523/wentworth-star-heads-for-richmond-to-chase-the-dream-going-to-town/ |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=Sunraysia Daily |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=14 February 2017}} He also played three matches that season for the region's junior representative team, the Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup.{{cite news |last1=Spiteri |first1=Tate |title=Eggmolesse-Smith a role model for Academy cubs |url=https://www.kgi.org.au/news/eggmolesse-smith-a-role-model-for-academy-cubs/ |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=Korin Gamadji Institute |publisher=Richmond FC |date=16 July 2019}} In the lead up to the 2016 draft period, Richmond officially nominated Eggmolesse-Smith for priority draft access under the league's academy rules, enabling the club to sign him as a category B rookie should he be passed over by all other clubs in the national and rookie drafts.{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=Tigers eyeing off Kayle Kirby as a category B rookie |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-09-05/tigers-eyeing-off-kayle-kirby-as-a-category-b-rookie |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=5 September 2016}}{{cite news |title=Wentworth player could soon be a Tiger |url=http://www.sunraysiadaily.com.au/story/4147510/wentworth-player-could-soon-be-a-tiger/ |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=Sunraysia Daily |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=7 September 2016}} Though he would indeed go undrafted, Richmond ultimately decided to pass on the chance to sign him.{{cite news |last1=Dearlove |first1=Angus |title=Hard work pays for Derek |url=https://www.sunraysiadaily.com.au/story/5090648/hard-work-pays-for-derek/ |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=Sunraysia Daily |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=29 November 2017}}

File:Derek Smith VFLAug17.jpg

Ahead of the 2017 footballing season, Eggmolesse-Smith moved to Melbourne, pursuing an opportunity to play higher grade local football and train with Richmond's reserves team. That year he played with the Fitzroy Stars in the Northern Football League, returned to Wentworth for limited matches in the Sunraysia League and also featured with the Bendigo Pioneers in TAC Cup. He played VFL football for Richmond's reserves side for the first time in late-May 2017.{{cite news |last1=Dearlove |first1=Angus |title=Fitting time for Victorian Football League debut |url=http://www.sunraysiadaily.com.au/story/4690329/fitting-time-for-victorian-football-league-debut/ |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=Sunraysia Daily |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=27 May 2017}} That same month he played in an exhibition match for promising young indigenous footballers, held on the MCG prior to that season's Dreamtime at the 'G AFL match.{{cite news |last1=Ryan |first1=Peter |title=Dream MCG curtain-raiser for indigenous players |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-05-27/watch-it-live-dream-mcg-curtainraiser-for-indigenous-players |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=27 May 2017}} Eggmoless-Smith finished the VFL season having played five matches and averaging 14 disposals per game.

Eggmolesse-Smith was again nominated by Richmond ahead of the 2017 draft period, with a media report from Fox Footy suggesting the club was considering using a national draft choice on him and was near-certain to sign him should he go undrafted.{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=Next Generation Academy prospects |url=https://www.hawthornfc.com.au/news/2017-05-09/next-generation-academy-prospects |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=Hawthorn FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=9 May 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Waterworth |first1=Ben |title=AFL Draft Watch: Brisbane's Pick 1 hint, Tigers' mature-age target, Gryan Miers' huge grand final |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-draft-watch-brisbanes-pick-1-hint-tigers-matureage-target-gryan-miers-huge-grand-final/news-story/062ceedb893f08ff84d55ca72aa81469 |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=28 September 2017}}

Eggmolesse-Smith was signed by {{AFL Ric}} as a category B rookie in November 2017 under the league's academy rules.{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=Pre-Season Draft back on, Blues change mind |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-11-27/no-preseason-draft-as-clubs-get-ready-for-rookie-fest |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=27 November 2017}} He was the first player from the program ever to be signed to the club's AFL list.{{cite news |title=Tigers land first Academy selection |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2017-11-27/tigers-land-first-academy-selection |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=27 November 2017}}

He made his first appearance for Richmond when he represented the club in a series of AFLX exhibition matches in Sydney in February 2018.{{cite news|last1=Guthrie|first1=Ben|title=AFLX squads: Running machines locked in|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-02-14/aflx-squads-running-machines-locked-in|access-date=5 July 2019|work=AFL Media|publisher=Telstra Media|date=14 February 2018}}{{cite news |title=AFLX full wrap: How did your club go? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-02-19/aflx-full-wrap-how-did-your-club-go |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=19 February 2018}} Before the season officially began however, Eggmolesse-Smith suffered a stress fracture in his lower leg.{{cite news |last1=Waterworth |first1=Ben |title=AFL 2018 debuts: The young guns at every club who could still debut in 2018 |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2018-debuts-the-young-guns-at-every-club-who-could-still-debut-in-2018/news-story/d0ad080749d7e39ba7eff8b43853c115 |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=2 August 2018}}{{cite news |title=Who's yet to be seen in 2018? |url=https://www.hawthornfc.com.au/news/2018-07-11/whos-yet-to-be-seen-in-2018 |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=Hawthorn FC |agency=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=11 July 2018}} After spending most of the season on the sidelines, Eggmolesse-Smith returned to football with the club's reserves side in the VFL in early August.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Tigers succumb to Seagulls |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-08-11/vfl-tigers-succumb-to-seagulls |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=11 August 2018}} After finishing as minor premiers, Richmond's reserves side lined up a home qualifying final against Williamstown in which Eggmolesse-Smith featured as a defender.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=Lights out as Seagulls eclipse VFL Tigers |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-09-01/lights-out-as-seagulls-eclipse-vfl-tigers |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=1 September 2018}} After a loss in that match, Richmond's reserves side suffered a knock-out loss the following week which saw the team and Eggmolesse-Smith's season come to a close.{{cite news |last1=Black |first1=Sarah |title=Axed Tiger shines in heartbreaking VFL loss |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-09-08/axed-tiger-shines-in-heartbreaking-vfl-loss |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=8 September 2018}} Eggmolesse-Smith finished 2018 having failed to earn an AFL debut, instead playing four matches with the club's reserves side in the VFL.{{cite web|title=Scoring Summary|website=Peter Jackson VFL 2018|access-date=5 July 2019|url=http://websites.sportstg.com/comp_info.cgi?client=1-118-0-477472-0&a=STATS&sgroup=scoring&sgstat=Gls|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910074736/http://websites.sportstg.com/comp_info.cgi?client=1-118-0-477472-0&a=STATS&sgroup=scoring&sgstat=Gls|archive-date=10 September 2018}}

After being re-contracted in the off-season, Egmolesse-Smith began the 2019 season with Richmond's VFL side where he impressed in pre-season matches in March.{{cite news |last1=Phelan |first1=Jennifer |title=Flag hero likely to remain a Tiger after Swans cool interest |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-11-13/flag-hero-townsend-likely-to-remain-a-tiger-after-swans-cool-interest |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=13 November 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Tigers overtaken by Hawks |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-03-09/vfl-tigers-overtaken-by-hawks |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=9 March 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=Cubs impress in VFL Tigers' win over Blues |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-03-21/vfl-match-report-v-northern-blues |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=21 March 2019}} He continued at that level through the opening months of the season, impressing VFL coach Craig McRae with his defensive play.{{cite news |title=VFL Report: Round 2 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-04-16/vfl-report-round-2 |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=16 April 2019}} In early May Eggmolesse-Smith had what McCrae labelled "arguably the best game he’s played for the club" when he recorded 21 disposals and seven rebound-50s in a VFL win over {{VFL Wil}}.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Report: Round 5 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-05-07/vfl-report-round-5 |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=7 May 2019}} Later that month he played strongly in the club's Indigenous Round VFL match and featured in the club's the war cry performance ceremony before that match.{{cite web |title=VFL R8: War cry |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/2019-05-25/vfl-r8-war-cry |website=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |access-date=5 July 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Report: Round 8 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-05-28/vfl-report-round-8 |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=28 May 2019}}{{cite news |title=Richmond AFL, VFL and VFLW players embrace cultural dances |url=https://www.kgi.org.au/news/war-cries-wow-crowds-in-celebration-of-culture/ |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=Korin Gamadji Institute |publisher=Richmond FC |date=28 May 2019}} Eggmolesse-Smith was named as an AFL-level emergency in round 13 after a strong run of form at VFL level.{{cite news |title=In the mix: Who's pushing for selection for round 12? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-06-04/in-the-mix-whos-pushing-for-selection-for-round-12 |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=4 June 2019}}{{cite news |title=AFL teams round 13: Big name Bombers return, Murphy back for Carlton |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-teams-round-13-big-name-bombers-return-murphy-back-for-carlton-20190613-p51xjc.html |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=13 June 2019}} He would have to wait another three weeks before earning an AFL debut, elevated to the club's primary list in place of the long-term injury listed Alex Rance and playing his first match in the club's round 16 match against {{AFL GC}} at Metricon Stadium.{{cite news |last1=Kalac |first1=Grace |title=Eggmolesse-Smith to debut |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-07-04/round-16-team-announcement |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=4 July 2019}} Eggmolesse-Smith collected 19 disposals and four rebound-50s on debut, holding his spot for round 17's match against {{AFL GWS}}.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Eggmolesse-Smith excels on debut |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-07-07/eggmolessesmith-excels-on-debut |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=7 July 2019}} He was one of five Indigenous players for Richmond in that match, a new club record. After two matches at AFL level, Eggmolesse-Smith was dropped back to VFL level in late July where he immediately starred with 26 disposals and nine marks at half-back.{{cite news |last1=Spits |first1=Scott |title=Fantasia ruled out as Bombers make four changes for Crows clash |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/fantasia-ruled-out-as-bombers-make-four-changes-for-crows-clash-20190718-p528k6.html |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=The Age |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |date=18 July 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Report: Round 16 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-07-23/vfl-report-round-16 |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=23 July 2019}} He remained at the lower level through the end of the VFL team's minor-premiership winning home and away season, though missed most of one match with a corked buttock sustained mid-match.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Tigers end home and away season with a nail-biter |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-08-17/vfl-r20-match-report |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=17 August 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Report: Round 19 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-08-14/vfl-report-round-19 |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=15 August 2019}} In a come-from-behind qualifying final win over the {{VFL Ess}} reserves, Eggmolesse-Smith notched 20 disposals, before adding another 17 in the VFL preliminary final a fortnight later as Richmond's reserves won through to that league's grand final.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=Nank the hero as VFL Tigers come back from the brink |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-08-31/vfl-qf-match-report |access-date=12 September 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=31 August 2019}}{{cite news |title=Derek Eggmolesse-Smith to chase VFL flag |url=https://www.sunraysiadaily.com.au/football/818871/big-day-for-former-roo |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=Sunraysia Daily |date=19 September 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Grand Final squad profiles |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-09-22/vfl-grand-final-squad-profiles |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=22 September 2019}} In the VFL grand final, Eggmolesse-Smith was named by AFL Media as one of Richmond's best players, notching 20 disposals as his side defeated {{VFL Wil}} to earn the club won its first reserves grade premiership since 1997.{{cite news |last1=Balmer |first1=Matt |title=Marlion Pickett was best on ground in the VFL Grand Final. He could debut in the AFL one |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-grand-final-2019-richmond-team-news-marlion-pickett-debut-norm-goss-medal-vfl-grand-final-richmond-defeats-sandringham/news-story/064ebb5c9ec23e8da6ceeddcc0aadd7f |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=22 September 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Phelan |first1=Jennifer |title='Great player... great story': Tiger sensation pushes case for GF debut |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-09-22/tigers-sensation-pickett-pushes-case-for-gf-with-bestonground-performance |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=22 September 2019}}

Eggmolesse-Smith finished 2019 having played two matches at AFL level, as well as a further 19 with the club's VFL premiership winning reserves side.{{cite news |title=Eggmolesse-Smith and Aarts sign on for 2020 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-10-28/aarts-and-eggmolessesmith-sign-on-for-2020 |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=28 October 2019}}{{cite web|title=Scoring Summary|website=2019 Hard Yakka / Totally Workwear VFL|access-date=10 November 2019|url=http://websites.sportstg.com/comp_info.cgi?client=1-118-0-518179-0&a=STATS&sgroup=scoring&sgstat=Gls|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924080104/http://websites.sportstg.com/comp_info.cgi?client=1-118-0-518179-0&a=STATS&sgroup=scoring&sgstat=Gls|archive-date=24 September 2019}}

After a full pre-season of training, Eggmolesse-Smith first played in 2020 with the club's reserves side in VFL practice matches in March.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Tigers overrun Werribee |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/573533/vfl-tigers-overrun-werribee |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=8 March 2020}} The season was postponed before its opening round however, owing to safety concerns as a result of the rapid progression of the coronavirus pandemic into Australia.{{cite news |last1=Beveridge |first1=Riley |title=Game off: Tiger stars to miss valuable practice match |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/384840/game-off-tiger-stars-to-miss-valuable-practice-match |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=13 March 2020}} The AFL season began in late March without Eggmolesse-Smith able to earn selection, before it too was postponed due to the pandemic after just one round was played.{{cite news |title=AFL to go ahead with round one of men's 2020 season amid coronavirus pandemic |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-18/coronavirus-afl-round-one-announcement/12066394 |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=19 March 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Barrett |first1=Damien |title=Why coronavirus could force the AFL to play games without fans |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/384419/why-coronavirus-could-force-the-afl-to-play-games-without-fans |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=10 March 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Barrett |first1=Damien |title='Most serious threat in 100 years': AFL postpones season |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/389109/-most-serious-threat-in-100-years-afl-postpones-season |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=22 March 2020}}{{cite news |title=AFL suspends season in response to coronavirus, with AFLW season cancelled — but NRL plays on for now |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-22/coronavirus-afl-suspends-season-aflw-cancelled-nrl-plays-on/12079476 |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=23 March 2020}} After an 11-week hiatus, Eggmolesse-Smith returned to competitive match play in an unofficial scratch match against Collingwood's reserves on the same week as the AFL's round 2 matchup between the two clubs, arranged in place of the now cancelled VFL season.{{cite news |last1=Cleary |first1=Mitch |title=Will your club play a scratch match this weekend? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/442812/will-your-club-play-a-scratch-match-this-weekend- |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=10 June 2020}}{{cite news |title=Scratch match player summary |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/704926/scratch-match-player-summary |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=12 June 2020}} Following a further three scratch matches at reserves level, he was recalled to AFL level for round 6's match against Sydney in place of Bachar Houli, who had elected not to travel with the team after a virus outbreak in Melbourne forced it to be relocated to the Gold Coast.{{cite news |title=Scratch match player summary v Hawks |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/719394/scratch-match-player-summary-v-hawks |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=19 June 2020}}{{cite news |title=Scratch match player summary v Saints |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/734370/scratch-match-player-summary-v-saints/ |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=28 June 2020}}{{cite news |title=Scratch match player summary v Demons |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/739183/scratch-match-player-summary-v-demons |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=7 July 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Kalac |first1=Grace |title=Tigers make five changes for Swans clash |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/740472/tigers-make-five-changes-for-swans-clash |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=10 July 2020}} As with all matches in the reduced 17-round season that year, it was held with playing time reduced by one fifth, owing to the need for clubs to play multiple games on short breaks later in the year.{{cite news |title=Coronavirus crisis and footy: The state of play |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/384862/coronavirus-crisis-and-footy-the-state-of-play |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=20 March 2020}}{{cite news |last1=David Mark and James Coventry |title=AFL looking at cramming matches in case coronavirus outbreak postpones 2020 season |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-14/coronavirus-afl-looking-at-drastic-changes-to-premiership-season/12056848 |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=14 March 2020}} A week later he produced a standout best-on-ground performance, earning two Brownlow Medal votes and a match-high eight Coaches Association award votes for a stat sheet that included 471 metres gained and a team-high 23 disposals in the win over North Melbourne on the Gold Coast.{{cite news |title=Richmond's Brownlow night: Leader, top five, total votes |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/828346/richmond-s-brownlow-night-leader-top-five-total-votes |access-date=2 December 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=18 October 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Eggy's cracking display |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/746235/eggy-s-cracking-display |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=20 July 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Dashing Derek top Tiger in Round 7 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/746887/dashing-derek-top-tiger-in-round-7 |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=21 July 2020}} He remained in the senior side for a further four matches, before being dropped to reserves level following a seven clanger performance in round 11's loss to {{AFL PA}}.{{cite news |last1=Kalac |first1=Grace |title=Tigers make three changes for Suns clash |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/796394/tigers-make-three-changes-for-suns-clash |access-date=19 October 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=16 August 2020}} Eggmolesse-Smith continued to play reserves football for the final weeks of the shortened season and into the club's AFL finals campaign.{{cite news |title=Scratch match v Geelong player summary |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/813264/scratch-match-v-geelong-player-summary |access-date=19 October 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=14 September 2020}}{{cite news |title=Scratch match v Brisbane player summary |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/818409/scratch-match-v-brisbane-player-summary |access-date=19 October 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=24 September 2020}} Eggmolesse-Smith remained unselected through the course of the finals series, unable to earn selection while his teammates earned the club a second successive AFL premiership.{{cite news |last1=McGarry |first1=Andrew |title=Richmond defeats Geelong in AFL grand final at the Gabba to cement status as one of greatest-ever teams |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-24/afl-grand-final-richmond-geelong/12810492 |access-date=2 December 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=24 October 2020}}{{cite news |title=Scrimmage match v Collingwood player summary |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/825444/scrimmage-match-v-collingwood-player-summary |access-date=2 December 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=12 October 2020}} He finished the season having played six AFL matches. At the end of the season, Eggmolesse-Smith was delisted by Richmond after a three-year stint at the club which included eight AFL matches.{{cite news |title=Tigers confirm list changes |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/838148/tigers-confirm-list-changes |access-date=2 December 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=25 November 2020}}{{cite news |title='Egg' time up at Tigerland, despite coming out of shell in 2020 |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/525566/-egg-time-up-at-tigerland-despite-coming-out-of-shell-in-2020 |access-date=2 December 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=25 November 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Randall |first1=Michael |title=Rivals stunned by Tigers' call on Egg |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-list-changes-retirements-and-delistings-from-every-club-in-2020/news-story/1ec406c92d42173ae315d298f29b4d5a |access-date=2 December 2020 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=1 December 2020}}

After being overlooked by all 18 clubs at the 2020 national and rookie drafts, Eggmolesse-Smith was offered an opportunity to win back his spot at Richmond under the league's pre-season supplemental selection rules.{{cite news |last1=Waterworth |first1=Ben |title=The 16 players seeking AFL lifelines that have been invited to train with clubs in 2021 summer |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-news-2020-jeff-farmer-son-kobe-tom-green-brother-players-invited-to-train-with-afl-clubs-2021/news-story/9c81c3df432de0f9d09ae632072140a2 |access-date=30 May 2021 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=18 December 2020}}{{cite news |title=Tigers to look at a quartet of ‘train-ons’ |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/845560/tigers-to-look-at-a-quartet-of-train-ons |access-date=30 May 2021 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=20 December 2020}} He trained well over the summer with focus on building his endurance before featuring in the club's one official pre-season match with eight disposals from a limited 31 per cent time on ground.{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=Tigers hang on in a thriller, Pies sweat on injuries |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/556494/match-report-tigers-pies |access-date=30 May 2021 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=5 March 2021}} In the second week of March, Eggmolesse-Smith was formally re-signed for a one-year contract.{{cite news |title=Eggmolesse-Smith signs on |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/876440/derek-announcement |access-date=30 May 2021 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=9 March 2021}} He spent the opening two rounds of the season playing reserves football with the club's VFL side, before earning selection at AFL level for the club's round 3 match against {{AFL Syd}}.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Tigers surge past Bombers |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/878627/vfl-tigers-surge-past-bombers |access-date=30 May 2021 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=13 March 2021}}{{cite news |title=Eggmolesse-Smith named for Swans clash |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/895175/eggmolesse-smith-named-for-swans-clash |access-date=30 May 2021 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=2 April 2021}} After recording just nine disposals in the match and owing to the return from injury of veteran half-back Bachar Houli, Eggmolesse-Smith was returned to VFL level after just one match.{{cite news |last1=Whiting |first1=Michael |title=TEAMS: Flag Tiger axed, veteran returns, debutants galore |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/579321/teams-flag-tiger-axed-veteran-returns-debutants-galore |access-date=30 May 2021 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=8 April 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Tigers tough it out in loss to Werribee |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/901636/vfl-match-report-werribee |access-date=30 May 2021 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=10 April 2021}}

Derek Eggmolesse-Smith currently play's for the Sale Football Club in the Gippsland League in which he plays half-back averaging 27.5 disposals while going at 67% by foot and averaging 2 intercept marks per game for the magpies as of round 4.

Eggmolesse-Smith plats as a rebounding half-back. He is a natural left-foot kicker and is notable for his creative and penetrating ball-use by foot.{{cite news |title=Coaches' Corner: Derek Eggmolesse-Smith |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/242816/coaches-corner-derek-eggmolessesmith |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=9 July 2019}}

Some would consider Eggmolesse-Smith unlucky to have gotten delisted by the Tigers since out of his 9 AFL games he was in the top 3 players on the ground twice and was very young with a huge upside.

: Statistics are correct to the end of round 11, 2021{{cite web|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/D/Derek_Eggmolesse-Smith.html|title=Derek Eggmolesse-Smith|work=AFL Tables|access-date=8 July 2019}}

{{AFL player statistics legend}}

{{AFL player statistics start}}

|- style="background-color: #EAEAEA"

! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2018

|{{AFL Ric}}

| 43 || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || —

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2019

|{{AFL Ric}}

| 43 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 19 || 16 || 35 || 4 || 4 || 0.0 || 0.0 || 9.5 || 8.0 || 17.5 || 2.0 || 2.0

|- style="background-color: #EAEAEA"

! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2020{{refn|group=lower-alpha|The 2020 season was played with five fewer home & away season matches per team, and with the playing time of each match reduced by 20%.}}

|{{AFL Ric}}

| 43 || 6 || 0 || 0 || 53 || 24 || 77 || 15 || 13 || 0.0 || 0.0 || 8.8 || 4.0 || 12.8 || 2.5 || 2.2

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2021

|{{AFL Ric}}

| 43 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 6 || 3 || 9 || 1 || 2 || 0.0 || 0.0 || 6.0 || 3.0 || 9.0 || 1.0 || 2.0

|- class="sortbottom"

! colspan=3| Career

! 9

! 0

! 0

! 78

! 43

! 121

! 20

! 19

! 0.0

! 0.0

! 8.7

! 4.8

! 13.4

! 2.2

! 2.1

|}

Notes

{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

Eggmolesse-Smith is a Barkindji Aboriginal man.{{cite news |last1=Dinham |first1=Abby |title=Indigenous AFL hopeful in Melbourne for Dreamtime |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/indigenous-afl-hopeful-in-melbourne-for-dreamtime |access-date=5 July 2019 |work=SBS.com.au |publisher=Special Broadcasting Service |date=25 May 2017}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{AFL Tables|D/Derek_Eggmolesse-Smith.html}}
• [https://afl.draftcentral.com.au/player/derek-smith/ Derek Eggmolesse-Smith's profile] at AFL Draft Central

{{DEFAULTSORT:Eggmolesse-Smith, Derek}}

Category:Living people

Category:1998 births

Category:Australian rules footballers from New South Wales

Category:Bendigo Pioneers players

Category:Richmond Football Club players

Category:Indigenous Australian players of Australian rules football

Category:21st-century Indigenous Australian people

Category:People from the Far West (New South Wales)

Category:21st-century Australian sportsmen