The Draft
Club by Club Draft ReviewNovember 26, 2025
Tommy Wolfe
Reading the Play
Relative rating: -76 pts
Reading the Play Guide: B+
Summary: Richmond were always tipped to be one of the more intriguing players in this year’s draft, and they certainly lived up to that billing. Rather than following consensus views linking them to Sullivan Robey or Xavier Taylor, the Tigers trusted their own board and backed the player they rated highest. Sam Grlj was their man. His early-season VFL form turned heads inside Punt Road, and with speed a clear list priority, the Tigers felt no need to overthink it.
As the draft drew nearer, the noise around Sam Cumming intensified. It was no real shock to see Richmond call his name with their first pick. Cumming is fearless, combative and relentlessly driven to win the ball. When he gets it, he can be damaging. Expect him to settle into a marking half forward role with midfield bursts as 2026 unfolds. Tigers supporters, and neutrals alike, will warm to him quickly. His playstyle fits seamlessly within the club’s evolving attacking structure and he profiles as an ideal complement to Sam Lalor.
Peucker’s rise through the National Championships made him an attractive option. He brings burst, power and an instinctive attacking mindset, all of which suit Richmond’s brand. The challenge will be sharpening his defensive work, which is critical for modern small forwards. If he embraces that aspect, he has every chance of carving out a long-term AFL role.
There was widespread expectation that Louis Kellaway would earn the final list spot, but Richmond went a slightly different direction, selecting Noah Roberts-Thomson. He is a smart mover with tidy skills and enough power to fit the Tigers’ need for run and dare. His development curve will be worth tracking closely.
Taken as a whole, Richmond’s draft was much more about list architecture than chasing pure best-available talent. After last year’s enormous haul, they had the freedom to draft for role and balance. In that respect, they succeeded.
https://readingtheplay.wordpress.com/2025/11/26/club-by-club-draft-review/
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