Crossword Genius

In first draft, one guy is really needy (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

indigent

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'really needy' is the definition.
'indigent' can be an answer for 'needy' (synonyms). I am not certain of the 'really' bit.

'in first draft one guy' is the wordplay.
'first draft' becomes 'd' (gst letter of 'draft').
'one' becomes 'i' (Roman numeral).
'guy' becomes 'gent' (I've seen this in another clue).
'in'+'d'+'i'+'gent'='INDIGENT'

'is' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for indigent that I've seen before include "Badly off" , "Impoverished -- ending it (anag)" , "Poor enough to need help from others" , "Needy, poverty-stricken" , "Poor and needy" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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