Star Richmond defender Nick Vlastuin turns back on free agency to sign mega extension

This will get the Tiger army up and about! 📝

FORMER EDITOR | April 1, 2021 - 9:36am

Star Richmond defender Nick Vlastuin has penned a mega five-year extension, tying him to the club until the end of 2026.

The Tigers confirmed his new deal on Thursday morning, with the 26-year old turning his back on free agency at the end of the season.

Vlastuin, a three-time premiership player, has emerged as one of Richmond's most important stars in their rise to powerhouse status.

He has played 162 AFL games since making his debut in 2013 and is coming off a career-best season 2020 where he made the 40-man All Australian squad and finished third in the Tigers' best and fairest.

No April Fools' jokes here.@nickvlastuin has signed a new five-year deal ✍️🙌

— Richmond FC 🐯🏆 (@Richmond_FC) March 31, 2021

Vlastuin was thrilled to lock away his future at Punt Road.

“It shows huge belief on their part that they trust me to be able to perform for that long, it is a lot of faith, and I obviously want to return it,” he told richmondfc.com.au.

“With the length of the deal, it locks me away now. I do not have to think about that or anything else.

“It means heaps to be a one-club player, and I just love being at the Club. I would not want to be or could not imagine being anywhere else, and this kind of seals that.”

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 13: Nick Vlastuin of the Tigers marks during the round eight AFL match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Richmond Tigers at Etihad Stadium on May 13, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Image

The former Pick 9 said returning to the MCG to play in front of the massive Tiger army was a big reason in him wanting to recommit to the club.

Vlaustin said he still gets "goosebumps" playing in front of big crowds.

“Playing at the G in front of big crowds gives me goosebumps every time. You never really get used to it,” he said.

“It is a lot of fun, so it was definitely a factor. I could not imagine playing (AFL) and not doing that every second week in front of the Tiger Army. They are stuck with me now."

As Richmond looks to win its third straight-premiership, including four in five years, Vlaustin said the hunger still remains in the playing group to achieve the ultimate success once again.

“You kind of get addicted to winning,” he said.

“We just want to keep doing what we are doing and enjoying it while we are, and hopefully, that can bring some more success. I am really rapt to continue to be a part of it.”

Vlastuin joins Dion Prestia, Dylan Grimes and Noah Balta in this year re-signing with the Tigers.