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.
From a veteran standpoint, Nick Vlaustin will undoubtedly command his position in the backline again in 2025, especially after a near-career-best season at 30 years old.
28-year-old Jayden Short will likely link up with Vlaustin in defence, as will Nathan Broad to close out the experienced leaders in the backline.
Should Josh Gibcus make a healthy return he may be in the running for a walk-up selection due to his sky-high potential seen in his debut season, while Sam Banks could slot in to fill the void of Liam Baker and Daniel Rioli. Following his suspension, Noah Balta could join the mix, with the longly-contracted star best suited to continue his role in defence rather than head the forward line.
Tom Brown had a breakout season in 2024 with his elite foot skills brought to light. Ben Miller, James Trezise and Tylar Young present as depth options at this stage, while draftee Luke Trainor could contend for an inclusion following some VFL development.
Following the draft, Richmond has an abundance of youthful talent knocking on the door of a spot in the midfield. However, Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper are likely to hold their spots come Round 1.
Dion Prestia is another veteran set to resume his role in the midfield, with the youth taking spots on the wings. Hugo Ralphsmith, Seth Campbell, and Jack Ross should be the leading challengers for the outside running position, as Kamdyn McIntosh reaches the twilight stages of his career.
Kane McCaullife is another youngster set to make his case for a midfield spot, as will draftees Lalor and Smillie. Taj Hotton will bide his time recovering from an ACL injury for the majority of the season before earning a spot in the team.
Toby Nankervis is set to own the ruck role again, with Samson Ryan the likely second option.
In the forward line, a healthy Tom Lynch will be the key target, with hopes he can finally stay consistently on the park in 2025. Likewise, Mykelti Lefau should be an immediate inclusion following his ACL recovery as he was a shining light in a dark 2024 season for Richmond, kicking 14 goals in 10 games.
Maurice Rioli takes a spot as an agile small, likely to be joined by the likes of Ryhan Mansell, Jacob Bauer, Steely Green and Seth Campbell.
Lalor could be eased into AFL level by playing as a physical half-forward in a similar role that Dustin Martin played in the latter stages of his career. Harry Armstrong and Jonty Faull are other draftees that could warrant an early season debut, while Jasper Alger is more likely to develop in the VFL.
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: Samson Ryan, Jacob Koschitzke, Taj Hotton, Harry Armstrong, Jonty Faull, Luke Trainor, Tylar Young