https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/1958300/afl-match-simulation-press-conference-----------------------------------------------
The Tigers who shined in Bombers match sim clashBy Anna Pavlou
RichmondFC.com.au
Feb 20, 2026Richmond Development Coach, Jack Ziebell, has heaped praise on draftee Sam Grlj, after the Club's Match Simulation against Essendon on Friday.
Grlj worked hard off half back against the Bombers, impressing with his speed and agility, while also combining with fellow 2025 draftee, Sam Cumming, that resulted in a goal after the quarter-time siren.
"He's (Grlj) been impressive all summer. For a first-year player to come in and impact our training the way he has, the way he goes about it, not just with ball in hand, but his ability to run and compete has been really impressive," Ziebell said.
"There's been some signs from all our first-year players. It's exciting when we add those guys to our crop from last year. To get them to play as much footy together over the next period is exciting for our fans."
On top of the promise shown from the 2025 draft class, it was the second-year players that also caught Ziebell's eye on Friday morning, including key forwards Harry Armstrong, who kicked two majors, as well as Jonty Faull, who showed improvements.
"For H and Jont, their continued development in all areas of their game and their contest work is really strong and their ability to not be out marked against bigger, and sometimes stronger, opponents is the hallmark of their game," Ziebell said.
"They are working really hard on their craft and that should really excite Richmond fans."
Sam Lalor also caught the attention of Richmond coaches in his limited minutes, which included a spectacular mark early in the opening term.
"He was one on managed minutes today. He got through that really well. He's going to be really important for us going forward," Ziebell said.
"We also had some (other) players on restricted minutes, which is important at this time of year to make sure the loads are ok coming into Round 1. That's part of the juggling act."
But it wasn't just the young brigade on show in Tullamarine, with Mykelti Lefau kicking three goals of his own, as well as newly-appointed leadership group member Jack Ross showing confidence through the middle.
"Mykelti is powerful and a big strong boy. He went through a bit last year and tore his calf. For him to get up and do a full pre-season and show what he's capable of out there today is really pleasing for us," Ziebell said.
"And Ross' influence on those around him, and his influence in games, is growing. He is really in the prime of his career, eight years in now. He's played enough footy to know where to be and what to do now."
Josh Gibcus also got through the match strongly, which left Ziebell and his fellow coaching staff looking toward the 22-year-old's 2026 season with hope and promise.
"He's done an outstanding job over the summer to get himself in a position to play in match simulation," Ziebell said.
"All eyes will be looking towards that Round 1 spot against Carlton for Gibbo. But if he's learnt anything in his career, it's probably not to look too far ahead.
"It's important for him to understand what he needs to be the best he can be, and that's to follow his process every day and every week.
"We know what talent he is and what capability he's got, we've been able to give him the support he needs to get himself out on the park and do what he loves."
Despite the scoreboard, Ziebell believes the Tigers will be able to take plenty of learnings from Friday's match.
"(Today) was a lot about our synergy and playing a lot of our young group together. We've split our list over our internal trial games pretty evenly. This is the first opportunity we've had against real opposition," he said.
"It had everything we needed in the game for this time of year. We had a fierce contest around the ball, and both teams were trying to implement stuff they've been working on through the summer
"We got through without any injuries, and we will get some positive learnings out of that performance to carry on throughout pre-season.
The Tigers will now look ahead to next Friday's AAMI Community Series Match against the Demons in Ballarat, set to begin at 4.15pm (AEDT).
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1958346/the-tigers-who-shined-in-bombers-match-sim-clash
