Richmond's resurgence officially began at the 2024 AFL Draft, with explosive midfielder Sam Lalor selected as the No. 1 pick.
The Bacchus Marsh junior and former GWV Rebels captain expressed his excitement and relief after his name was called, surrounded by family and friends.
“Awesome feeling,” Lalor said.
“I feel a bit of relief, and to spend it with family and friends in the room was pretty special.”
The Tigers, who endured a tough season under new coach Adem Yze, secured six first-round selections, with Lalor the centrepiece of their ambitious rebuild.
Richmond has not had a No. 1 pick since Brett Deledio in 2004, and Lalor is keen to lead a talented new cohort of players.
Despite the weight of being the top pick, Lalor is confident that Richmond's bumper draft haul will help share the spotlight.
“Richmond having so many picks in the top few will help,” Lalor explained.
“Not all the spotlight is on me - they've got eight boys coming in, so I'm sure they'll help me along the way, and I'll help them.”
While Lalor admitted he dreamed of being the No. 1 pick, he wasn't sure it was realistic until the Tigers informed him on Monday.
“It was pretty emotional. Mum and Dad were in tears, and so was I. But it kinda didn't feel real until it really happened,” he said.
Lalor, who has drawn comparisons to Richmond legend Dustin Martin, has his sights set on donning Martin's famous No. 4 jumper.
“I'd definitely like it,” Lalor said.
“I wore No. 4 throughout the year and it's my favourite number, so if I did get it, I'd happily snatch it up.”
He added, “Dusty's someone I've watched growing up, and I'd love to play like him. It's pretty hard to play like him, but I suppose some of the things I do on the field are kind of like him.”
Richmond has yet to announce whether the No. 4 jumper will be retired temporarily in honour of Martin's legendary career or passed on to a new player immediately.
The 18-year-old is already eager to start working with his new teammates and coach.
“There's a lot,” Lalor said when asked who he is excited to play alongside.
“Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper… I'm looking forward to working with them. I'm also looking forward to working with the coach, Adem Yze.”
Although injury setbacks hampered Lalor's 2024 campaign, he sees this as a chance to hit the ground running at Richmond. He confirmed he would start his time at the club in a rehabilitation program to recover fully.
“I've already spoken to Richmond, and I'll be put into a rehab program for the first couple of weeks,” Lalor said.
“They'll help me through it, and I think once you get to a club after the draft, it kind of settles down and you can just work.”
Richmond's six-player first-round draft haul also included Josh Smillie (pick 7), Taj Hotton (12), Jonty Faull (14), Luke Trainor (21), and Harry Armstrong (23). The Tigers will continue their draft campaign with the first pick of the second round (No. 28) on Thursday night.
