Sam Banks [merged]

[one-eyed]

Sam Banks was one of the main positives for the Tigers in season 2025.

His average disposals per match rose from 12.0 in 2024 to 21.2 this season. He also took his metres gained average from 227.7 last year to 412.7.

Among the Richmond playing list for the entire season, Banks was ranked No. 1 for metres gained, No. 2 for kicks, No. 2 for uncontested possessions, No. 2 for effective disposals, No. 3 for rebound-50s and No. 3 for total disposals.

He has now played 43 senior games with the Club.

https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1875635/banks-underlines-his-improvement

[WilliamPowell]

I thought he had a solid season. No doubting his improvement. It was interesting though, he was a lot better when Short was out of the side

Also, I thought his form dropped a bit after he signed his new contract

[Hard Roar Tiger]

Agree with that Willy but his season was better than solid. Has flown past Tom Brown to be our best hope from the 2021 draft

[Simonator]

Simply put there is no room for both short and banks in the back line. Both fairly significant liabilities defensively.

[Andyy]

Simply put there is no room for both short and banks in the back line. Both fairly significant liabilities defensively.

Agreed.

Trade Short!

[Hard Roar Tiger]

Or put one on the wing

[Tiger Khosh]

Agree with that Willy but his season was better than solid. Has flown past Tom Brown to be our best hope from the 2021 draft

Disagree. TB the pick of that draft for me by a reasonable margin too.

Great to see banks take his chance this season and hope he continues to improve.

[Hard Roar Tiger]

Where do you see Tom Brown has improved this year vs last year and what attributes does he bring consistently on game day that has him comfortably ahead of Sam Banks?
I would’ve agree 100% with you last season but to me he has stagnated and Banks has stepped right up.

[Andyy]

Where do you see Tom Brown has improved this year vs last year and what attributes does he bring consistently on game day that has him comfortably ahead of Sam Banks?
I would’ve agree 100% with you last season but to me he has stagnated and Banks has stepped right up.

I don't think he's stagnated. Banks just had a good leap.

Looking forward to seeing both of them next year.

Not sure backline is the right spot for Brown.

[Tiger Khosh]

Where do you see Tom Brown has improved this year vs last year and what attributes does he bring consistently on game day that has him comfortably ahead of Sam Banks?
I would’ve agree 100% with you last season but to me he has stagnated and Banks has stepped right up.

I don't think he's stagnated. Banks just had a good leap.

Looking forward to seeing both of them next year.

Not sure backline is the right spot for Brown.

He has improved in every single statistical metric compared to his numbers in 2024.

He’s stronger in the air and is becoming a much better reader of the play to intercept kicks inside 50 and peel off his man to help the other defenders.

Keep in mind he is playing a much tougher role as that tall/medium intercept defender then banks does as a half back flanker. Imo anyway.

[camboon]

Tend to agree, most of the newer blokes ( non veterans ) in backline including Brown and Banks have shown something this year, 

[JP Tiger]

I'd consider giving both Banks & Brown a run through the midfield next year.  Not major roles but quick bursts hoping to hit the scoreboard when we need it. 
Both are good by foot, fast(ish) & both have that defensive background if it goes against us.   

[Damo]

Agree with that Willy but his season was better than solid. Has flown past Tom Brown to be our best hope from the 2021 draft

Disagree. TB the pick of that draft for me by a reasonable margin too.

Great to see banks take his chance this season and hope he continues to improve.

Agree TK .. I'm a huge wrap on Brown. Will be a seriously good player.

Well done Banks on the improvement as well.

[Hard Roar Tiger]

Agree with that Willy but his season was better than solid. Has flown past Tom Brown to be our best hope from the 2021 draft

Disagree. TB the pick of that draft for me by a reasonable margin too.

Great to see banks take his chance this season and hope he continues to improve.

Agree TK .. I'm a huge wrap on Brown. Will be a seriously good player.

Well done Banks on the improvement as well.

I’m a Tom Brown fan, I was just hopeful he could string together more good games. Gap from best to worst is still a bit too big.
I think wing is ideal, should Gibcus come back then we probably wont need him back there

[the claw]

Has he really improved ? Thats the question i keep asking myself.
I remain unsold on this bloke  despite some good games in the role Jayden Short did well in. Soft outside uncontested ball his forte.

Worth keeping and finding out more yes, but fmd he and Short are so deficient in many areas. Hard to say but i think Jatden actually commits his body more.