The Tigers are uniquely positioned after a mass exodus of premiership stars in the free agency and trade period last year, followed by a strategic plan to land as much first-round draft talent as possible, making seven selections in the first 28 picks.
These selections include Pick 1 Sam Lalor and Pick 8 Josh Smillie, who was tipped to be selected first overall in the early stages of last year.
Richmond are short-priced favourites to claim the wooden spoon in 2025, with a year of blooding their youth expected. It leaves a curious dilemma for Adam Yze to tackle, as Richmond will be aiming to find a balance between utilising veteran leadership and providing invaluable matches early in the careers of their promising youngsters to ensure they are at least somewhat competitive.
Across all three lines of the field, we've assessed Richmond's best options for 2025, creating a 23-man side that best balances experience and youth.
Our Best 23 for 2025 series will include players unavailable for the start of the season, except for those expected to miss most or all of the season through injury or suspension.
4. Best 23
FB: Nick Vlastuin, Josh Gibcus, Nathan Broad
HB: Jayden Short, Noah Balta, Tom Brown
C: Hugo Ralphsmith, Dion Prestia, Jack Ross
HF: Sam Lalor, Mykelti Lefau, Rhyan Mansell
FF: Maurice Rioli, Tom Lynch, Seth Campbell
FO: Toby Nankervis, Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper
I/C: Josh Smillie, Steely Green, Kane McAuliffe, Jacob Bauer
SUB: Sam Banks
Others to consider:ย Samson Ryan, Jacob Koschitzke, Taj Hotton, Harry Armstrong, Jonty Faull, Luke Trainor, Tylar Young
