Richmond have started what many hope to be a signing haul of talented youth, with young Tigers Steely Green and Campbell Gray recommitting for 2025.
The one year extension for both comes somewhat as a surprise, given the club's need to retain youth long-term and lock away talent to endure what shapes as a period of bottom-dwelling at Richmond.
Still, the club are thrilled to have 20-year-old Green and 21-year-old Gray in the yellow & black for 2025, as shared by footy boss Blair Hartley.
โSteely hit some really strong form in the second half of this season and was rewarded with a run of senior-level games, which will hold him in great stead going forward,โ he said.
โAcross his six games, he showed that he can match it at AFL level and has traits that can make us a better team.
โCampbell is a great character who has worked incredibly hard since joining our football program mid-year.
โHis versatility gives our coaching staff plenty of options, and we look forward to him continuing to develop as a player in 2025.
Green & Gray in the Yellow & Black ๐โ๏ธ
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— Richmond FC ๐ฏ (@Richmond_FC) August 29, 2024
โBoth players should take great confidence into the pre-season, and we look forward to seeing them continue to grow next season.โ
The signings follow reports which confirm the desire of Liam Baker, Shai Bolton and Daniel Rioli to exit Punt Rd for interstate clubs, unfortunately for new coach Adem Yze, making his club the clear favourite for the 2025 wooden spoon.
The club should attack the upcoming National Draft with the ambition to add midfield depth behind Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper, currently holding the number one pick, as well as 21, 29, 39, 41, 47, 57, 66 and 73, but hoping to attain some more high-enders with the off-season moves coming.
