Richmond is set for another restrained draft process this year after a busy 2023 trade window saw them part with a number of top-range selections for this year and 2022.
The Tigers won't enter the count until midway through the second round but are likely to use close to four selections in total - a figure that would double the intake of last year.
With a new coach brought into the club after a disappointing campaign, the Victorian powerhouse will be keen to fill list needs through the development of their younger ranks to be well-placed for 2024 and beyond.
Several holes have opened up in Richmond's list and will likely be addressed during the course of the November 20-21 draft. Here we assess the prospects that could be in the Tigers' sights with the picks they have at their disposal.
Draft Hand
Picks: 29, 41, 65, 68, 86
After trading their 2024 first-round selection a year ago, the Tigers won't enter this year's count until approximately the early 30s after Academy bids see Richmond's opening pick shift back and forth.
Their trade with Port Adelaide that saw Ivan Soldo depart Punt Road netted them another second-round selection, which could be coupled with Pick 29 to help the Tigers increase their place in the draft order if needed.
That would likely see them come in at 65th overall for their second selection though, while they also have Pick 68 at their disposal to likely cap off a quiet draft night.
List Needs
Key Forward:ย The Tigers moved to fill a void in their forward half with the acquisition of Hawk Jacob Koschitzke, but his arrival mightn't be enough for new coach Adem Yze. Premiership star Tom Lynch is on the mend and will be hoping to see out a full season next year after a heavily-interrupted 2023. But should Koschitzke fail to spark or Lynch suffer further setbacks, then Richmond's attacking third is quickly opened up. Emerging ruckman Samson Ryan has upside, but further depth and youth among the Tigers' tall attackers is an area of focus for the club to consider at the draft.
Defensive Help:ย The Tigers have been home to one of the more formidable rearguards in recent seasons, but with age and injury their defence has begun to fall. Robbie Tarrant called time on his brief stint at Richmond this year, while Dylan Grimes, Nathan Broad and Nick Valstuin will all be past 30 years of age next season. Tylar Young showed promise in his first season in the yellow and black, filling a hole left by second-year backman Josh Gibcus, who spent the year on the sidelines with a serious hamstring issue. Noah Balta has proven to be a viable swingman asset and could be deployed forward if Gibcus gets fit early, but more depth options or versatility down back is a need for the Tigers this off-season.
Outside Run:ย Richmond's engine room is home to a number of household names, with premiership talent in Dustin Martin, Shai Bolton and Dion Prestia each sharing the workload before and after the arrivals of Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper from GWS. While they have the bullish nature and contested ball work on their side, some outside run and polish might be been lacking as Marlion Pickett and Kamdyn McIntosh look to fight for starting spots in 2024. Some flank options at the draft might be in mind for Richmond's recruitment team given the unknown quantities that are their deeper options in Tom Brown, James Trezise, Kaleb Smith and Steely Green.
Potential Targets
Arie Schoenmaker:ย A draft talent who could be available when the Tigers first come on the clock midway through the second round, with Schoenmaker's range falling as low as the top 20. The Tasmanian is a long-kicking medium-sized defender who offers explosive run and can double as a wingman, with Schoenmaker a standout for the Devils in the Talent League this year to earn a place in the Allies' setup at the National Carnival. Another name to consider in this range for Richmond might be 200cm Gippsland utility Wil Dawson.
Luke Lloyd:ย The Sandringham forward stands at 193cm and is strong overhead with his balance of athleticism and strength. Lloyd pieced together a strong campaign for the title-winning Dragons, kicking the second-most goals in his side's premiership campaign after a strong finals run. An undoubted highlight for Lloyd's 2023 came at the school level though when he booted 19 goals in a game for De La Salle. Another tall forward Richmond might have on their radar late into the draft is Western Australia's Evan Smith, who can also play in the ruck given his 201cm frame.
Kobe Shipp:ย A prospect who can slot into a role across half-back or further up the field to complement the midfield, Shipp is another prospect who could find his way to Punt Road via one of Richmond's late draft selections. Standing at 188cm, Shipp is a versatile threat behind the ball with his ability to intercept and negate an opposition's attacking avenues before flicking the switch and pushing the ball down the other end of the field. Shipp would represent Vic Country in all four of their National Championship games this year, averaging 14.3 disposals and 2.5 marks per game.
