The ‘Dusty clone’ who wowed Richmond fans during family dayRoy Ward
The Age
February 15, 2025 If pre-seasons are about one thing, it is hope.
It’s a feeling that Richmond fans are indulging in, as their young Tiger cubs make their way into the footy world, embarking on a journey that supporters hope will eventually deliver another premiership era.
So while superstar Dustin Martin is retired, their eyes now follow No.1 draft pick Sam Lalor.
When the powerfully built midfielder jogged past the Tigers faithful during training at the club’s family day on Friday afternoon, he immediately caught the eye with his chest pointed out, his arms looking strong and his hair cut dunny-brush short.
Moments later he kicked a goal during a forward drill but missed a shot from a tighter angle soon after, it was a good reminder that the teenager has a lot of development to come.
But as the Tigers head into a rebuild following three premierships, season 2025 looks to be a year of development; thus hope is something all fans are looking for.
Joe, a 30-year Tigers member from Boronia, was among those who marvelled as Lalor jogged past.
“This kid just looks like a Dusty-type clone. So in four or five years’ time, hopefully, we will be seeing him in the same light,” Joe said.
“I know it is a lot of pressure, but you have to have some hope, don’t you?
“I think it is just the physical size of him. He’s shaved his hair now and Dusty had his shaved.
“Maybe in six months time, he’ll have a sleeve of tattoos on him and then we’ll be sold.”
The fans who spoke with this masthead on Friday know wins will be in short supply but they aren’t complaining after the previous era gave them three drought breaking flags after a 37-year gap.
Tigers fans used to rile up at the prospect of a losing season but coach Adem Yze and the recruiting staff have a grace period now as the likes of Martin retire and Liam Baker, Shai Bolton and Daniel Rioli head to other clubs.
Those moves helped the club build a stack of draft choices which turned into six first round picks in last year’s draft led by Lalor and impressive forward Josh Smillie, pick seven, who also caught the eye on Friday.
Yze said on Friday night that Lalor would play in Monday’s match simulation against West Coast in Perth as would fellow young guns Thomas Sims, Jasper Alger and Harry Armstrong.
“They’ve got a free pass now,” Joe said with a laugh.
“Three flags in four years. It’s been unbelievable but you know what Richmond fans are like.
“If there are three years on the bottom, then things could get ugly but hopefully not. We can see the future.”
Yze has urged his young side to keep striving for improvement while Toby Nankervis was announced as captain for a fourth season.
“You are going to see a team that is ready to fight our way back,” Yze said.
“We are not happy with where we are on the ladder [they finished last in 2024]. We wish we could run out on the ‘G right now and start the season.”
Ray and Bronwyn from Essendon are also long-time Tigers and used Friday’s training as a chance to learn the numbers of all the newcomers. Lalor’s 22 and Smilie’s 16 were among the prominent ones, as was Rhyan Mansell who has switched to number seven and Jacob Hopper to number two.
“It’s a learning curve for us and I’m sure it is a learning curve for some of the players to look around and recognise that some of the players they’ve been playing with aren’t there any more,” Ray said.
They also loved the sight of former Tigers Steve Morris and Jake Batchelor among the coaches of this young side while one of the remaining veterans Noah Balta was keeping things light after one of his kicks into the forward line went a little wide.
“Right where you wanted it,” Balta quipped.
Bronwyn noted how much she loved those veterans who had stayed at the club and not moved on while she looks forward to learning about the new players.
“I don’t mind watching a rebuild,” Bronwyn said.
“It’s something to look forward to,” Ray added right after.
“As long as they have a go, that’s all that matters.”
Supporters Chris and Charmaine watched on happily on Friday, they live in Brisbane but are loyal Tigers, especially Chris who followed her north 20-plus years ago, so enjoyed wearing his Tigers gear around Punt Road Oval.
“It’s his Valentine’s Day present. I took him to Melbourne for Richmond family day,” Charmaine joked.
“I’m waiting for my flowers.”
Chris and Charmaine enjoyed some bonus Tigers matches in Brisbane during the COVID-hub season in 2020, one which ended in a Tigers flag and like thousands of other Tigers, they aren’t expecting big things this season.
“It’s going to take time. I’m not expecting big things,” Chris said.
“If we can get four or five wins, that would be fantastic. It’s just about getting games into the young blokes.
“You understand the retirements and I was surprised Rioli left, I would have loved to see Rioli stay a one-club player but when players go home, you can’t hold that against them.”
“After the year they had last year, the only way is up,” Charmaine said.
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