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Richmond Rant / Re: Favourite player game
« Last post by mightytiges on Yesterday at 11:42:42 PM »Armstrong 3 -
Faull 7
Gray 13
Lalor 15
Hotton 17 +
News:
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Armstrong 3 -
Faull 7
Gray 13
Lalor 15
Hotton 17 +
2
Richmond Rant / Re: Best 23 in 2026?
« Last post by one-eyed on Yesterday at 11:40:56 PM »Selecting every AFL team’s best 23 for 2026: Richmond Tigers
Patrick Parnell
zerohanger.com
January 15, 2026
With some pundits predicting a winless season for the Tigers in 2025, a five-win campaign was considered a success given the youthful state of their list.
After a huge draft haul in 2024 with a record six first-round picks, the Tigers added another two first-rounders in 2025 in Sam Cumming (Pick 7) and Sam Grlj (Pick 8 ).
Following their golden era, which spanned from 2017 to 2020, the Tigers will aim to continue building their next premiership side in 2026. This is what their best 23 in 2026 might look like...
Defenders
Josh Gibcus remains central to the Tigers' defensive future. After a horror run with injury early in his career, his intercept marking and athleticism mean he could be a long-term pillar down back. 195cm intercepting defender Luke Trainor also looks to be a long-term prospect for the Tigers after featuring 21 times in his debut season.
Noah Balta is capable of playing at either end of the ground, but when deployed down back he has proven he can match it with the competition's best forwards. Ben Miller has emerged as a dependable key defender after featuring in every game in 2025.
Nick Vlastuin remains the backbone of the Tigers' back six. The experienced premiership defender is brave and reliable, combining his intercept game with the ability to shut down quality opponents. Nathan Broad continues to be trusted with difficult roles, while youngster Tom Brown adds composure and class with his elite ball use.
Midfielders
Tim Taranto remains the Tigers' prime mover in the midfield after claiming the 2025 best and fairest in a difficult season. His ability to win contested footy and hit the scoreboard makes him Richmond's most influential midfielder.
Dion Prestia remains a crucial figure when fit. The premiership midfielder has battled injury in recent seasons, but at his best still brings class and experience. Jacob Hopper continues to provide the midfield with a tough, uncompromising edge, excelling in the contest and at clearance.
Jack Ross enjoyed a career-best campaign in 2025 and has earned greater trust from Adem Yze on the inside, emerging as a reliable midfield option. Josh Smillie is yet to make his AFL debut due to injury, but his size and athleticism make him one of the club's most exciting midfield prospects.
James Trezise offers flexibility as both a wingman and rebounding defender, with his neat left foot and running capacity proving effective. Hugo Ralphsmith remains on the fringe and will be eager to cement a permanent wing role in 2026, while draftee Sam Grlj could also feature on the outside for the Tigers with his speed and running power.
Youngster Kane McAuliffe, who endured limited opportunity in 2025, will look to build on his 14 games as a powerful inside presence. Patrick Retschko arrives from Geelong as a hard-running utility, while Tyler Sonsie's talent is obvious, but he must deliver greater consistency at AFL level to lock down a spot.
Toby Nankervis continues to lead the group as captain and first-choice ruck. His physicality and stoppage work remain crucial to Richmond's midfield, while Samson Ryan and category B rookie Oliver Hayes-Brown provide ruck depth, with the latter unlikely to feature unless injury strikes.
Forwards
Tom Lynch remains the leader of the Tigers' forward line. The premiership key forward continues to provide a reliable focal point inside 50, with his experience crucial in guiding a young group.
The Tigers' next generation of tall targets is beginning to emerge. Harry Armstrong and Jonty Faull, both first-round selections, are expected to start in the best 23 and could form a formidable long-term partnership. Further developing options Liam Fawcett and Thomas Sims will likely continue their development at state league level before consistent senior opportunities arise.
Sam Lalor looms as potentially the most exciting Richmond prospect since Dustin Martin. The 2024 No.1 pick showed glimpses of his enormous potential in 2025, with his explosiveness, aerial ability and capacity to pinch-hit through the midfield giving the Tigers a genuine weapon.
Mykelti Lefau, after being cruelled by injury, shapes as another X-factor. His athleticism and natural goal sense were evident in 2024, and he could force his way into the best 23 by season's end if he can stay injury-free.
Rhyan Mansell leads Richmond's small forwards with his elite front-half pressure, while fellow Seth Campbell was the club's leading goalkicker in 2025. Draftee Sam Cumming could join the pair in the front half, where his power at ground level and overhead marking could prove an asset. Jasper Alger, Maurice Rioli, Steely Green and Taj Hotton provide further small-forward depth.
Best 23
FB: Nick Vlastuin, Noah Balta, Tom Brown
HB: Sam Banks, Ben Miller, Jayden Short
C: Luke Trainor, Dion Prestia, James Trezise
HF: Seth Campbell, Tom Lynch, Taj Hotton
FF: Rhyan Mansell, Jonty Faull, Sam Lalor
FO: Toby Nankervis, Jacob Hopper, Tim Taranto
I/C: Nathan Broad, Jack Ross, Josh Gibcus, Harry Armstrong, Sam Cumming
Stiff to miss: Josh Smillie, Sam Grlj, Hugo Ralphsmith, Maurice Rioli, Jasper Alger, Mykelti Lefau
https://www.zerohanger.com/selecting-every-afl-teams-best-23-for-2026-richmond-tigers-172084/4/
Patrick Parnell
zerohanger.com
January 15, 2026
With some pundits predicting a winless season for the Tigers in 2025, a five-win campaign was considered a success given the youthful state of their list.
After a huge draft haul in 2024 with a record six first-round picks, the Tigers added another two first-rounders in 2025 in Sam Cumming (Pick 7) and Sam Grlj (Pick 8 ).
Following their golden era, which spanned from 2017 to 2020, the Tigers will aim to continue building their next premiership side in 2026. This is what their best 23 in 2026 might look like...
Defenders
Josh Gibcus remains central to the Tigers' defensive future. After a horror run with injury early in his career, his intercept marking and athleticism mean he could be a long-term pillar down back. 195cm intercepting defender Luke Trainor also looks to be a long-term prospect for the Tigers after featuring 21 times in his debut season.
Noah Balta is capable of playing at either end of the ground, but when deployed down back he has proven he can match it with the competition's best forwards. Ben Miller has emerged as a dependable key defender after featuring in every game in 2025.
Nick Vlastuin remains the backbone of the Tigers' back six. The experienced premiership defender is brave and reliable, combining his intercept game with the ability to shut down quality opponents. Nathan Broad continues to be trusted with difficult roles, while youngster Tom Brown adds composure and class with his elite ball use.
Midfielders
Tim Taranto remains the Tigers' prime mover in the midfield after claiming the 2025 best and fairest in a difficult season. His ability to win contested footy and hit the scoreboard makes him Richmond's most influential midfielder.
Dion Prestia remains a crucial figure when fit. The premiership midfielder has battled injury in recent seasons, but at his best still brings class and experience. Jacob Hopper continues to provide the midfield with a tough, uncompromising edge, excelling in the contest and at clearance.
Jack Ross enjoyed a career-best campaign in 2025 and has earned greater trust from Adem Yze on the inside, emerging as a reliable midfield option. Josh Smillie is yet to make his AFL debut due to injury, but his size and athleticism make him one of the club's most exciting midfield prospects.
James Trezise offers flexibility as both a wingman and rebounding defender, with his neat left foot and running capacity proving effective. Hugo Ralphsmith remains on the fringe and will be eager to cement a permanent wing role in 2026, while draftee Sam Grlj could also feature on the outside for the Tigers with his speed and running power.
Youngster Kane McAuliffe, who endured limited opportunity in 2025, will look to build on his 14 games as a powerful inside presence. Patrick Retschko arrives from Geelong as a hard-running utility, while Tyler Sonsie's talent is obvious, but he must deliver greater consistency at AFL level to lock down a spot.
Toby Nankervis continues to lead the group as captain and first-choice ruck. His physicality and stoppage work remain crucial to Richmond's midfield, while Samson Ryan and category B rookie Oliver Hayes-Brown provide ruck depth, with the latter unlikely to feature unless injury strikes.
Forwards
Tom Lynch remains the leader of the Tigers' forward line. The premiership key forward continues to provide a reliable focal point inside 50, with his experience crucial in guiding a young group.
The Tigers' next generation of tall targets is beginning to emerge. Harry Armstrong and Jonty Faull, both first-round selections, are expected to start in the best 23 and could form a formidable long-term partnership. Further developing options Liam Fawcett and Thomas Sims will likely continue their development at state league level before consistent senior opportunities arise.
Sam Lalor looms as potentially the most exciting Richmond prospect since Dustin Martin. The 2024 No.1 pick showed glimpses of his enormous potential in 2025, with his explosiveness, aerial ability and capacity to pinch-hit through the midfield giving the Tigers a genuine weapon.
Mykelti Lefau, after being cruelled by injury, shapes as another X-factor. His athleticism and natural goal sense were evident in 2024, and he could force his way into the best 23 by season's end if he can stay injury-free.
Rhyan Mansell leads Richmond's small forwards with his elite front-half pressure, while fellow Seth Campbell was the club's leading goalkicker in 2025. Draftee Sam Cumming could join the pair in the front half, where his power at ground level and overhead marking could prove an asset. Jasper Alger, Maurice Rioli, Steely Green and Taj Hotton provide further small-forward depth.
Best 23
FB: Nick Vlastuin, Noah Balta, Tom Brown
HB: Sam Banks, Ben Miller, Jayden Short
C: Luke Trainor, Dion Prestia, James Trezise
HF: Seth Campbell, Tom Lynch, Taj Hotton
FF: Rhyan Mansell, Jonty Faull, Sam Lalor
FO: Toby Nankervis, Jacob Hopper, Tim Taranto
I/C: Nathan Broad, Jack Ross, Josh Gibcus, Harry Armstrong, Sam Cumming
Stiff to miss: Josh Smillie, Sam Grlj, Hugo Ralphsmith, Maurice Rioli, Jasper Alger, Mykelti Lefau
https://www.zerohanger.com/selecting-every-afl-teams-best-23-for-2026-richmond-tigers-172084/4/
3
Richmond Rant / Re: Old Footballers - Whatever happened to ...
« Last post by one-eyed on Yesterday at 11:37:41 PM »RICHMOND
Jacob Bauer (delisted) – Castlemaine (Bendigo FNL)
Jacob Blight (delisted) – Subiaco (WAFL)
Mate Colina (delisted) – TBC, but is expected to play somewhere.
Thomson Dow (delisted) – North Melbourne (VFL)
Jacob Koschitzke (delisted) – TBC, but has been linked to a potential move to the Mornington Peninsula FNL.
Kamdyn McIntosh (delisted) – TBC, but has jumped right into his construction business KTRDs.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-news-2026-where-are-they-now-delistings-and-retirements-from-2025-local-footy-signings-new-clubs-and-jobs-for-players/news-story/67587d83142a62c3b0292d48763d247e
Jacob Bauer (delisted) – Castlemaine (Bendigo FNL)
Jacob Blight (delisted) – Subiaco (WAFL)
Mate Colina (delisted) – TBC, but is expected to play somewhere.
Thomson Dow (delisted) – North Melbourne (VFL)
Jacob Koschitzke (delisted) – TBC, but has been linked to a potential move to the Mornington Peninsula FNL.
Kamdyn McIntosh (delisted) – TBC, but has jumped right into his construction business KTRDs.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-news-2026-where-are-they-now-delistings-and-retirements-from-2025-local-footy-signings-new-clubs-and-jobs-for-players/news-story/67587d83142a62c3b0292d48763d247e
4
Richmond Rant / Re: Nick Vlastuin [merged]
« Last post by one-eyed on Yesterday at 11:35:02 PM »Top 30 AFL stars over 30
Ben Cotton
Fox Sports
January 15th, 2026
18. NICK VLASUTIN (RICHMOND)
Can we get this man an All-Australian blazer already? The three-time flag defender has been one of the premier backs of the modern era. But despite the Tigers’ slide in recent years, the 31-year old is still playing at a high level and capable of playing on — and beating — a variety opponents. Could well be coming off his best season yet; he ranked No. 4 in the AFL in intercepts and No. 11 in rebound 50s and averaged 19.1 disposals and 6.1 marks per game. Held up remarkably well against a high volume of opposition inside 50s as the leader of a back six that was constantly under the pump.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2026-top-30-afl-players-over-30-ranked-stats-analysis-opinion-marcus-bontempelli-jeremy-cameron-zach-merrett-max-gawn-latest-news/news-story/da7e8f6c42fd23dd8ba516e6497fa346
Ben Cotton
Fox Sports
January 15th, 2026
18. NICK VLASUTIN (RICHMOND)
Can we get this man an All-Australian blazer already? The three-time flag defender has been one of the premier backs of the modern era. But despite the Tigers’ slide in recent years, the 31-year old is still playing at a high level and capable of playing on — and beating — a variety opponents. Could well be coming off his best season yet; he ranked No. 4 in the AFL in intercepts and No. 11 in rebound 50s and averaged 19.1 disposals and 6.1 marks per game. Held up remarkably well against a high volume of opposition inside 50s as the leader of a back six that was constantly under the pump.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2026-top-30-afl-players-over-30-ranked-stats-analysis-opinion-marcus-bontempelli-jeremy-cameron-zach-merrett-max-gawn-latest-news/news-story/da7e8f6c42fd23dd8ba516e6497fa346
5
Richmond Rant / Re: General preseason training discussion [merged]
« Last post by one-eyed on Yesterday at 11:33:30 PM »AFL legend Luke Breust MIC'D UP at training in new coaching role
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zFk-Xq86UA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zFk-Xq86UA
6
Richmond Rant / Re: Preseason match: Richmond vs Melbourne @ Ballarat - Feb 27
« Last post by one-eyed on Yesterday at 11:32:00 PM »Matches will consist of four 20-minute quarters plus time on (as during the premiership season) while there will be no interchange cap. Extended squads of 30 players will take part; 18 on the field, eight interchange and four emergencies.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1459833/blues-and-cats-open-2026-aami-community-series-vic-giants-head-to-ballarat
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1459833/blues-and-cats-open-2026-aami-community-series-vic-giants-head-to-ballarat
7
Richmond Rant / Re: Preseason scratch match: Richmond vs Essendon
« Last post by one-eyed on Yesterday at 11:31:26 PM »Unofficial match simulations*
Thursday, February 19
Western Bulldogs v Sydney, Mission Whitten Oval, time TBC
Friday February 20
Melbourne v North Melbourne, Casey Fields, time TBC, seven periods of play
Details TBC
Essendon v Richmond
Fremantle v West Coast
* more to be announced
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1459833/blues-and-cats-open-2026-aami-community-series-vic-giants-head-to-ballarat
Thursday, February 19
Western Bulldogs v Sydney, Mission Whitten Oval, time TBC
Friday February 20
Melbourne v North Melbourne, Casey Fields, time TBC, seven periods of play
Details TBC
Essendon v Richmond
Fremantle v West Coast
* more to be announced
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1459833/blues-and-cats-open-2026-aami-community-series-vic-giants-head-to-ballarat
8
Richmond Rant / Re: 2026 free agents - Broad, Lynch, Nankervis, Prestia, Ross, Vlastuin
« Last post by one-eyed on Yesterday at 11:28:08 PM »Updated:
Nathan Broad
Tom Lynch
Toby Nankervis
Dion Prestia
Jack Ross
Nick Vlastuin
Full list for every club: https://www.afl.com.au/news/1461008/whos-on-the-table-updated-list-of-2026-free-agents-revealed
Nathan Broad
Tom Lynch
Toby Nankervis
Dion Prestia
Jack Ross
Nick Vlastuin
Full list for every club: https://www.afl.com.au/news/1461008/whos-on-the-table-updated-list-of-2026-free-agents-revealed
9
Richmond Rant / Re: Rhyan Mansell [merged]
« Last post by one-eyed on Yesterday at 11:25:44 PM »Mansell refusing to get comfortable
The forward is keen to build on his promising 2025 campaign.
By Anna Pavlou
Richmond Media
Jan 14, 2026
On a personal note, after playing 20 games and kicking 18 goals last season, the forward only sees himself on the improve.
"You can't ever really get too comfortable at AFL level. I'm looking to improve on my strength, fitness and overall smarts as a forward," Mansell said.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1944290/mansell-refusing-to-get-comfortable
The forward is keen to build on his promising 2025 campaign.
By Anna Pavlou
Richmond Media
Jan 14, 2026
On a personal note, after playing 20 games and kicking 18 goals last season, the forward only sees himself on the improve.
"You can't ever really get too comfortable at AFL level. I'm looking to improve on my strength, fitness and overall smarts as a forward," Mansell said.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1944290/mansell-refusing-to-get-comfortable
10
Richmond Rant / Re: General preseason training discussion [merged]
« Last post by one-eyed on Yesterday at 11:23:48 PM »From the RFC website:
It's hard to ignore the buzz around the Swinburne Centre as the first week of pre-season for 2026 pushes on.
For forward Rhyan Mansell, the expectation around the group for a promising season couldn't be bigger.
"Everyone's come back pretty refreshed. There's a lot of energy going into training the past week," he told Richmond Media.
"We are excited to see the side of games and practices matches. There's a good block coming up."
And while it's easy to see improvement from a fitness perspective across the board, Mansell believes it's hard to ignore two up-and-coming Tigers.
"Jasper Alger has come back in really good nick. His forward craft is going to be one to watch. So has Campbell Gray. His leadership and voice out on the field has been second-to-none," Mansell said.
"I'm excited to see what those two can do."
Mansell, who turns 26 in June, has quickly become a wise head amongst a young group of talented footballers.
It's a responsibility he doesn't take lightly.
"Drafting a few smaller forwards and 18-year-olds, and last year's crop as well, can lean on my experience, and I can fast track them to the AFL, that's the goal," Mansell said.
Mansell already sees potential and confidence in the 2025 draftees, headlined by pace and hunger.
"They've all come in seamlessly. Obviously you've got (Sam) Grlj who has come in really hot. He is fast and full on and I'm sure fans will love seeing all of those boys playing," Mansell said.
As for what lies ahead in the immediate future, the playing group are readying for practices matches, before Round 1's match against Carlton at the MCG.
"Nailing the detail, that's what we've been focusing on all pre-season. Then getting into the role-clarity, so when games hit, we don't have to worry and can just play footy when we are out there," he said.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1944290/mansell-refusing-to-get-comfortable
It's hard to ignore the buzz around the Swinburne Centre as the first week of pre-season for 2026 pushes on.
For forward Rhyan Mansell, the expectation around the group for a promising season couldn't be bigger.
"Everyone's come back pretty refreshed. There's a lot of energy going into training the past week," he told Richmond Media.
"We are excited to see the side of games and practices matches. There's a good block coming up."
And while it's easy to see improvement from a fitness perspective across the board, Mansell believes it's hard to ignore two up-and-coming Tigers.
"Jasper Alger has come back in really good nick. His forward craft is going to be one to watch. So has Campbell Gray. His leadership and voice out on the field has been second-to-none," Mansell said.
"I'm excited to see what those two can do."
Mansell, who turns 26 in June, has quickly become a wise head amongst a young group of talented footballers.
It's a responsibility he doesn't take lightly.
"Drafting a few smaller forwards and 18-year-olds, and last year's crop as well, can lean on my experience, and I can fast track them to the AFL, that's the goal," Mansell said.
Mansell already sees potential and confidence in the 2025 draftees, headlined by pace and hunger.
"They've all come in seamlessly. Obviously you've got (Sam) Grlj who has come in really hot. He is fast and full on and I'm sure fans will love seeing all of those boys playing," Mansell said.
As for what lies ahead in the immediate future, the playing group are readying for practices matches, before Round 1's match against Carlton at the MCG.
"Nailing the detail, that's what we've been focusing on all pre-season. Then getting into the role-clarity, so when games hit, we don't have to worry and can just play footy when we are out there," he said.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1944290/mansell-refusing-to-get-comfortable
