Kaleb Smith

Richmond confirm debutant for Geelong clash

The teenager will be the Tigers’ fifth debutant of 2024.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Richmond will unveil their fifth debutant of 2024 when teenager Kaleb Smith lines up against Geelong at Kardinia Park on Saturday night.

The Tigers have confirmed the defender will suit up in the yellow and black at AFL level for the first time this weekend, with Smith to join Mykelti Lefau, Kane McAuliffe, Steely Green and Seth Campbell in making a debut at Richmond this season.

Smith joined the Tigers through the 2022 National Draft as the 49th overall selection, hailing from Western Australia and WAFL cub East Fremantle.

The young Tiger spent an extended period on the sidelines during his first year at the club due to a foot injury, with Richmond eventually moving Smith to the inactive list.

The dashing defender is averaging 20 disposals, six rebound 50s and five marks per outing in the VFL this year and has now secured a spot in Adem Yze's side for Round 12.

"He continues to get better," Richmond VFL coach Steve Morris said in a club announcement.

"This is a player that is really only in his first season of footy, and he's showing some fantastic signs.

"He's had a great six-to-eight weeks of footy... I'm really looking forward to seeing his continued progression."

Richmond will make at least one change for their clash with Geelong, with forward Shai Bolton set to miss the match due to concussion.

2024-06-01T09:30:00Z
GMHBA Stadium
GEEL
99
FT
69
RICH
Published by
Mitch Keating