Best 23 in 2026?

[WilliamPowell]

I am debating the topic.

 - " Rance spoke highly of Chaplin's influence on him."
 - " Yze isn't going to come out and say Balta needs a whack over the head sometimes, is he?
Of course he's a <insert cliche here>"

Why is a former player seen as reliable in his commentary and the coach not so?

It's directly connected to the subject of the make up if the backline and the apparent need for leadership.

Refer to Tiger Khosh former discussion in regards to Vlastuin.

The above is indeed debating the topic.

Your childish, snide little comment that was at the end of the post I removed wasn't. It was a clear bait.

[one-eyed]

Every team's best 23 going into 2026

Nic Negrepontis
Nine
December 5, 2025

One thing to note is we have not included any players out with significant long-term injuries.

RICHMOND

FB: J. Gibcus, B. Miller, N. Vlastuin

HB: J. Short, N. Balta, S. Banks

C: S. Grlj, T. Taranto, L. Trainor

HF: J. Hopper, H. Armstrong, T. Hotton

FF: J. Faull, T. Lynch, S. Campbell

FOL: T. Nankervis, S. Lalor, D. Prestia

INT: T. Brown, N. Broad, S. Cumming, J. Ross, R. Mansell


STRENGTH: Potentially the hardest best 23 to predict this off-season given the sheer quantity of young talent the Tigers have accumulated across the last two years. No team boasts as many top draft picks at the start of their careers and the key will be putting enough veteran bodies around them to protect them.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: Having so many youngsters is their strength, but it will also impact their ability to perform consistently across the season. The forward line in particular will take time to find its feet given the young key forwards coupled with Tom Lynch in the final stage of his career.

https://www.nine.com.au/sport/afl/news-best-23-all-18-clubs-teams-trade-draft-period-2026-20251130-p5nl60.html