Richmond have handed Supplemental Selection Period hopeful Luke Teal a VFL contract for the 2023 season following the teenager's training stint with the Tigers' AFL program over the summer.
Teal, a medium-sized defender, was among the leading names left without an AFL club after being overlooked at last year's draft period despite a strong showing for the Oakleigh Chargers in the NAB League.
The 18-year-old was limited to just four matches for the Chargers but did show glimpses of his poise and versatility as a 190cm backman, mostly utilised in a lockdown role to average 17.8 disposals, 5.0 marks and 2.5 rebound 50s for the season.
The Glen Iris product would also earn a sole appearance for Vic Metro in their season decider while also featuring in the AFL Academy's clash with Collingwood's VFL side early into his draft year.
After being overlooked at last year's National Draft, an opportunity at Punt Road arose for Teal as a potential SSP signing, training under three-time premiership coach Damien Hardwick at the Tigers.
The young backman would be joined by former Geelong midfielder Quinton Narkle and local league forward Kaelan Bradtke in tussling for the last remaining AFL list spot at Richmond.
While the vacancy is still up for grabs, the race to secure it has narrowed to just Narkle and Bradtke, but Teal's time in the yellow and black isn't over.
Richmond confirmed on Thursday that the young defender will link up with the club's VFL program for the season ahead, being among one of three new recruits for Steve Morris' side.
Teal joins the Tigers' reserves alongside Harry Broderick and Matt Clarkson, the latter being the son of four-time premiership coach and new North Melbourne mentor Alastair Clarkson.
The trio add to a strong off-season of recruitment for Richmond's VFL squad, who have added ex-Bomber Garrett McDonagh and Northern Bullants defender Mutaz El Nour.
Richmond's VFL unit will open their 2023 campaign against the Bullants at Punt Road on Sunday, March 26.
Bradtke could link up with the Tigers' VFL squad should he miss out on the AFL list spot, while Narkle has been linked with a return to his home state of Western Australia should a lifeline not fall his way.
The SSP signing deadline is set for next Wednesday, February 15.
