Tiger Training

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Track Watch: Pre-Season Week One

By Richmond Media
Nov 15, 2025

Now that the 2026 AFL Fixture has officially landed, all eyes are locked in on our Round 1 date with Carlton at the MCG.

Set for Thursday 12 March, that’s just under 120 days away.

And things are certainly ramping up at the Swinburne Centre, as we recap a busy week one of pre-season.

It’s worth noting that only the first-to-four-year players are required for the first two weeks, before the full squad returns on November 24 for our pre-season community camp trip to Yarrawonga and the surrounding areas.

Veteran Tom Lynch was the first Tiger out on Monday morning, moving through his warm-up routine, running lines and sharpening up his kicking, before the team gathered for their first meeting back.

While Lynch isn’t required back just yet, it’s positive to see the 236-gamer focused on his craft.

Then, all attention turned to the first-to-four-year players, on their official first week back.

Seth Campbell arrived in style, channelling his inner Anthony Edwards by sporting his number five Minnesota Timberwolves jersey as he kicked off his fourth pre-season at the Swinburne Centre. The energetic pressure forward didn’t miss a beat throughout the on-field training sessions this week, leading to every kick, and taking the ball clean as if it were a match day.

Steely Green impressed in week one of pre-season, showing composure and elite execution on the field. The lively small forward looked sharp, hitting targets with precision and making quick decisions while under pressure.

New recruit Patrick Retschko burst onto the training track for his first run in his new colours, immediately looking at home as he reunited with some of his junior teammates. The 19-year-old showcased his trademark run-and-carry and impressive handball speed throughout the sessions. He also wears elite green boots. Worth keeping your eyes out for them!

After missing the back end of his debut season due to a hamstring injury, Sam Lalor returned to training in style. He lit up the track with his explosiveness and elite kicking skills, with the number one draft pick also marking the ball clean, showcasing his confidence in aerial contests.

Tom Brown created some laughter when a playful snap during their jog back for a drink break nearly caused some friendly fire.

Development Coach recruit, Luke Breust, wasted no time getting to know the group, running stoppage drills in the attacking 50 for young forwards, Taj Hotton, Jasper Alger and Green. The young crop of Tigers are already gaining plenty from Hawthorn’s three-time premiership champion.

Kane McAuliffe was working closely with Development Coach Jack Ziebell, throwing him ground balls, emulating winning the ball off a tap from centre square.

By Friday, a few more familiar faces joined the group, with Maurice Rioli and Ben Miller completing early morning runs with Hugo Ralphsmith. Jack Ross also joined the veteran group for a gym session, before the young players hit the track in the Melbourne sun.

It’s safe to say after just one week, it’s clear our first-to-four players have returned to the Swinburne Centre with an immense focus, energy, and intensity. Every player was dialled in and displayed positive signs, with Adem Yze calling for an “all in” approach to the training sessions.

Further excitement is in store next week, with the young core getting another important week of work in, before Richmond adds to its impressive group of youngsters at the AFL Draft on Wednesday and Thursday night.

https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1929612/track-watch-pre-season-week-one

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Another important week of work begins tomorrow


https://x.com/Richmond_FC/status/1989962893924995440

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Track Watch: Pre-Season Week Two

All the insights from the second week of Richmond's pre-season.

RFC website
Nov 22, 2025

Week two of the pre-season saw several veterans return to the Swinburne Centre, while our one-to-four year players continued their strong preparations for 2026.

Three-time premiership player, Nathan Broad, and 2025 Jack Dyer Medallist, Tim Taranto, made an early entry on Monday morning to complete their gym session away from the younger group, with their trademark focus and strength in tow.

Out on the Punt Road Oval, the first-to-four-year players began the week with some up-and-down pace running, with Assistant Coach, Chris Newman, and VFL Coach, Jack Madgen, even joining the group.

A simulated match drill on Monday saw players split up into two teams, wearing black and grey training tops. The drill started with a contest on the wing, with both teams fighting for possession to work the ball into their attacking 50.

A play from Kaleb Smith was a highlight, when he won the ball cleanly and finished the play off with an accurate kick, lacing out a lead from our new No.8, Jonty Faull.

Young gun Luke Trainor hasn't missed a beat, picking up right where he left off from his debut season, impressing on the track by leading the pack in sprinting drills. The 19-year-old was hard to miss, sporting brand-new bright orange Puma boots.

Later in the week, key utility Noah Balta was back on the track, joining Tom Lynch for an early morning running session. The endurance showcased by the pair was evident, with their strong running intent something fans can get excited about.

Just before the clock ticked over 8.30am on Friday, Hugo Ralphsmith, Jack Ross, and Ben Miller joined Lynch and Balta, all in a determined and focused mood as they continued their endurance training.

Most excitingly, Smith celebrated his 21st birthday, with the whole squad celebrating his day before training began.

Back out on the track, Samson Ryan was moving around nicely, lacing out kicks and taking strong overhead marks, whilst weaving around cones in a skills drill. The 24-year-old appeared to have recovered strongly from his foot injury that saw him miss a string of games this season.

High Performance Manager Ben Serpell took Sam Lalor, Harry Armstrong, Trainor, Jasper Alger, Liam Fawcett and Faull through their paces, conducting fast sprint drills from the pocket of Punt Road Oval. The youngsters didn’t take a backwards step as they took off from the start line with intent and purpose.

Pressure forward Rhyan Mansell impressed with his piercing kick and clean hands in a basic patterns drill. Fresh off an 18-goal season, Mansell was moving the ball effortlessly with his run and accurate kicking as the side practised transitioning the ball around the oval.

Seth Campbell was making sure everyone remained hydrated at a drinks break, where he was squirting Assistant Coach Chris Newman with his drink bottle, who remained rather unbothered by his antics.

Tom Brown looked strong in a seven vs five keeping off drill, moving into space and commanding the ball, then drilling the kick in transition. His work rate was on full display, as he followed up his kick down the line to receive a handball on the move.

Judson Clarke and Tom Sims were making inroads in the Club gym as they continued to work their way back from injury.

Tyler Sonsie brought the pressure to training on Friday, working hard off the ball in a diamond drill, making two intercept plays on the run.

The side finished the week with a light full oval scrimmage, where recruit Patrick Retschko showcased his elite run off the wing. The 19-year-old then pushed forward, gathering the ball cleanly from a spilled contest before creating space and calmly slotting a goal.

Pre-season is set to heat up next week, as the entire playing squad returns for our community and training camp in Yarrawonga and the surrounding areas.





https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1933068/track-watch-pre-season-week-two