Richmond Tigers season 2025 preview (HS 10/1/25)

[Berwick boy]

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Richmond season 2025 preview: Matt Turner breaks down where the Tigers sit​

Richmond have undergone a serious makeover since their dynasty, and with so much turnover in talent, what can we truly expect? MATT TURNER breaks down where they are at.


@mattturner1986

3 min read
January 10, 2025 - 5:00AM

43 Comments

Where do the Tigers sit?

Richmond​

Don't miss out on the headlines from Richmond. Followed categories will be added to My News.
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The glory days of the Tigers are well and truly gone, now they are the young cubs.
After a tough first season at the helm, followed by a mass exodus of some senior players, what can Adem Yze do with all the talent at Tigerland?

Seth Campbell had a strong 2024. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

SURPRISE PACKET OF 2024​

Seth Campbell played 21 of the Tigers’ 23 matches, won the club’s best first-year player award and finished 11th in Jack Dyer Medal polling. It was a strong return for the rookie-listed small forward/midfielder who was drafted from Burnie and North Launceston in Tasmania, and spent most of his first season in 2023 recovering from an adductor injury and leg issues. Campbell, who debuted in Opening Round, averaged 11.3 disposals, 2.9 marks, 2.7 inside-50s, 3.7 score involvements and kicked 10 goals. The 19-year-old earnt high praise from Richmond development coach Sam Lonergan at the club’s best-and-fairest night. “He’s going to be a highlights package of energy and excitement,” Lonergan said. “And he’s got great work ethic, dedication, along with great spirit. I’d like to commend our recruiting team for the work they’ve done with finding an absolute gem in the rough. He’s going to be a long-term player and a key part of our future.”

INS AND OUTS​

IN: Jasper Alger (No. 58 draft pick), Harry Armstrong (No. 23 draft pick), Jonty Faull (No. 14 draft pick), Taj Hotton (No. 12 draft pick), Sam Lalor (No. 1 draft pick), Thomas Sims (No. 28 draft pick), Josh Smillie (No. 7 draft pick), Luke Trainor (No. 21 draft pick)
OUT: Liam Baker (trade, West Coast), Shai Bolton (trade, Fremantle), Matthew Coulthard (delisted), Noah Cumberland (delisted), Jack Graham (free agent, West Coast), Dylan Grimes (retired), Dustin Martin (retired), Marlion Pickett (retired), Sam Naismith (retired), Daniel Rioli (trade, Gold Coast)

TIGERS' 2025 BEST 23​

B: Nathan Broad, Noah Balta, Nick Vlastuin
HB: Tom Brown, Josh Gibcus, Jayden Short
C: Hugo Ralphsmith, Jacob Hopper, Kamdyn McIntosh
HF: Maurice Rioli Jr, Jonty Faull, Sam Lalor
F: Rhyan Mansell, Tom Lynch, Seth Campbell
FOLL: Toby Nankervis, Tim Taranto, Dion Prestia
I/C: Ben Miller, Sam Banks, Josh Smillie, Jacob Bauer, Thomson Dow

WHO’S PLAYING FOR A CONTRACT?​

Tom Lynch’s seven-season deal expires at the end of 2025 and it will be interesting to see what happens next. At 32 and after two premierships with the Tigers, does the key forward sign a 12-month extension or head to a contender? Lynch’s immediate goal will be to get back on the park. The former Gold Coast Suns spearhead has played just four games in each of the past two campaigns due to injuries.

COACH STATUS​

Adem Yze is entering the second season of his coaching career as his team undergoes a massive overhaul. The Tigers lost seven premiership players to other clubs or retirement at the end of the season while adding eight draftees, ensuring a very young squad in 2025 and very little pressure on the former Melbourne star. Richmond claimed the wooden spoon with a 2-21 record this year. Departed Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale expected Yze would take on more responsibility next season, telling the club’s Talking Tigers podcast in August the Richmond coach would “really start to put his fingerprints on the team”. “We think Adem’s extremely capable and I think he has carried himself really well,” Gale said. “He comes into a program that’s been successful, he’s followed a coach of historical standing (Damien Hardwick) and has got premiership players everywhere. I reckon he’s maybe sat back a little bit, coupled with an incredible, unprecedented run with injury. I reckon what you’ll see from Adem next year is a coach that takes a lot more responsibility.”

LAST YEAR IN CONTRACT​

Sam Banks, Jacob Bauer, Jacob Blight, Tom Brown, Judson Clarke, Thomson Dow, Liam Fawcett, Campbell Gray, Steely Green, Oliver Hayes-Brown, Tom Lynch, Kamdyn McIntosh, Dion Prestia, Kaleb Smith, Tyler Sonsie, James Trezise, Tylar Young

POSITION THAT NEEDS TO BE FILLED AND WHO CAN FILL IT?​

Rioli’s move to Gold Coast opens a spot at half-back, where Sam Banks and Hugo Ralphsmith loom as players who can help fill the void. Banks did not miss a game after the Tigers’ bye this year, for a total of 15 last season, his third at AFL level. Tasmanian Banks featured in defence and on a wing in 2024, but was drafted as a half-back. Ralphsmith lined up in 18 matches this year and finished equal-16th in the best-and-fairest. While he featured regularly on a wing, he might be an option to move to defence with Rioli gone.

Hugo Ralphsmith could be one to fill the void left by Dan Rioli. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

BURNING QUESTION​

How many wins is realistic next season? Richmond’s two victories in Yze’s debut campaign as senior coach were against eventual grand finalist Sydney at the MCG by five points in round 5 and the Crows in Adelaide by eight points in round 15. Since then three of the top six in the Tigers’ best-and-fairest have departed and the squad has got a whole lot younger. Crows premiership captain Mark Bickley predicted Richmond would be winless in 2025. That seems unrealistic. It has not happened since Fitzroy in 1964 and similarly inexperienced teams in the AFL era have always notched at least one victory. In the club’s second season in 2013, GWS went 1-21. Three years later, an Essendon team missing 12 experienced players through doping violation suspensions had three wins. Strugglers North Melbourne and West Coast recorded two triumphs each in 2023. With premiership players like Toby Nankervis, Nathan Broad, Nick Vlastuin and Jayden Short still at Tigerland, and such an even competition, two to four wins seems a more likely outcome.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-season-2025-preview-matt-turner-breaks-down-where-the-tigers-sit/news-story/577f70b60d0924c015ac6b660d562d68

 

[Ndts]

Thanks for posting…a nothing article…early January filler

 

[TigerForce]

Thanks for posting…a nothing article…early January filler

Yep. As expected. We all know everything written. Great pay these 'journalists'.

 

[Tony Braxton-Hicks]

Bookmakers' spoon odds, in order, are Tigers, Eagles, North, then a big gap to Essendon.

So if the bookies are right we'll have two of the top 3 draft picks and Essendon will go another year of not winning a final.

I'm OK with all of that.

 

[TigerMasochist]

Thanks for posting…a nothing article…early January filler

Meh. They've been doing every club the same over the last few weeks. Summer AFL page filler.

 

[craig]

Bookmakers' spoon odds, in order, are Tigers, Eagles, North, then a big gap to Essendon.

So if the bookies are right we'll have two of the top 3 draft picks and Essendon will go another year of not winning a final.

I'm OK with all of that.

Perfect as long as the Skunks dont win the Flag.

 

[DavidSSS]

Yeah, did they get AI to write this? It had not 1 original thought in it so they could have.

They did manage to get in a little prod with the idea Lynch might leave for a contender, yeah, F off, your speculation on Dusty was a fiction, keep making up crap and we will keep ignoring it.

DS

 

[TigerMasochist]

Perfect as long as the Skunks dont win the Flag.

Or the Moggies, or Carlscum.

 

[yandb]

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Richmond season 2025 preview: Matt Turner breaks down where the Tigers sit​

Richmond have undergone a serious makeover since their dynasty, and with so much turnover in talent, what can we truly expect? MATT TURNER breaks down where they are at.

@mattturner1986

3 min read
January 10, 2025 - 5:00AM
43 Comments

Where do the Tigers sit?

Richmond​

Don't miss out on the headlines from Richmond. Followed categories will be added to My News.
follow
The glory days of the Tigers are well and truly gone, now they are the young cubs.
After a tough first season at the helm, followed by a mass exodus of some senior players, what can Adem Yze do with all the talent at Tigerland?

Seth Campbell had a strong 2024. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

SURPRISE PACKET OF 2024​

Seth Campbell played 21 of the Tigers’ 23 matches, won the club’s best first-year player award and finished 11th in Jack Dyer Medal polling. It was a strong return for the rookie-listed small forward/midfielder who was drafted from Burnie and North Launceston in Tasmania, and spent most of his first season in 2023 recovering from an adductor injury and leg issues. Campbell, who debuted in Opening Round, averaged 11.3 disposals, 2.9 marks, 2.7 inside-50s, 3.7 score involvements and kicked 10 goals. The 19-year-old earnt high praise from Richmond development coach Sam Lonergan at the club’s best-and-fairest night. “He’s going to be a highlights package of energy and excitement,” Lonergan said. “And he’s got great work ethic, dedication, along with great spirit. I’d like to commend our recruiting team for the work they’ve done with finding an absolute gem in the rough. He’s going to be a long-term player and a key part of our future.”

INS AND OUTS​

IN: Jasper Alger (No. 58 draft pick), Harry Armstrong (No. 23 draft pick), Jonty Faull (No. 14 draft pick), Taj Hotton (No. 12 draft pick), Sam Lalor (No. 1 draft pick), Thomas Sims (No. 28 draft pick), Josh Smillie (No. 7 draft pick), Luke Trainor (No. 21 draft pick)
OUT: Liam Baker (trade, West Coast), Shai Bolton (trade, Fremantle), Matthew Coulthard (delisted), Noah Cumberland (delisted), Jack Graham (free agent, West Coast), Dylan Grimes (retired), Dustin Martin (retired), Marlion Pickett (retired), Sam Naismith (retired), Daniel Rioli (trade, Gold Coast)

TIGERS' 2025 BEST 23​

B: Nathan Broad, Noah Balta, Nick Vlastuin
HB: Tom Brown, Josh Gibcus, Jayden Short
C: Hugo Ralphsmith, Jacob Hopper, Kamdyn McIntosh
HF: Maurice Rioli Jr, Jonty Faull, Sam Lalor
F: Rhyan Mansell, Tom Lynch, Seth Campbell
FOLL: Toby Nankervis, Tim Taranto, Dion Prestia
I/C: Ben Miller, Sam Banks, Josh Smillie, Jacob Bauer, Thomson Dow

WHO’S PLAYING FOR A CONTRACT?​

Tom Lynch’s seven-season deal expires at the end of 2025 and it will be interesting to see what happens next. At 32 and after two premierships with the Tigers, does the key forward sign a 12-month extension or head to a contender? Lynch’s immediate goal will be to get back on the park. The former Gold Coast Suns spearhead has played just four games in each of the past two campaigns due to injuries.

COACH STATUS​

Adem Yze is entering the second season of his coaching career as his team undergoes a massive overhaul. The Tigers lost seven premiership players to other clubs or retirement at the end of the season while adding eight draftees, ensuring a very young squad in 2025 and very little pressure on the former Melbourne star. Richmond claimed the wooden spoon with a 2-21 record this year. Departed Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale expected Yze would take on more responsibility next season, telling the club’s Talking Tigers podcast in August the Richmond coach would “really start to put his fingerprints on the team”. “We think Adem’s extremely capable and I think he has carried himself really well,” Gale said. “He comes into a program that’s been successful, he’s followed a coach of historical standing (Damien Hardwick) and has got premiership players everywhere. I reckon he’s maybe sat back a little bit, coupled with an incredible, unprecedented run with injury. I reckon what you’ll see from Adem next year is a coach that takes a lot more responsibility.”

LAST YEAR IN CONTRACT​

Sam Banks, Jacob Bauer, Jacob Blight, Tom Brown, Judson Clarke, Thomson Dow, Liam Fawcett, Campbell Gray, Steely Green, Oliver Hayes-Brown, Tom Lynch, Kamdyn McIntosh, Dion Prestia, Kaleb Smith, Tyler Sonsie, James Trezise, Tylar Young

POSITION THAT NEEDS TO BE FILLED AND WHO CAN FILL IT?​

Rioli’s move to Gold Coast opens a spot at half-back, where Sam Banks and Hugo Ralphsmith loom as players who can help fill the void. Banks did not miss a game after the Tigers’ bye this year, for a total of 15 last season, his third at AFL level. Tasmanian Banks featured in defence and on a wing in 2024, but was drafted as a half-back. Ralphsmith lined up in 18 matches this year and finished equal-16th in the best-and-fairest. While he featured regularly on a wing, he might be an option to move to defence with Rioli gone.

Hugo Ralphsmith could be one to fill the void left by Dan Rioli. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

BURNING QUESTION​

How many wins is realistic next season? Richmond’s two victories in Yze’s debut campaign as senior coach were against eventual grand finalist Sydney at the MCG by five points in round 5 and the Crows in Adelaide by eight points in round 15. Since then three of the top six in the Tigers’ best-and-fairest have departed and the squad has got a whole lot younger. Crows premiership captain Mark Bickley predicted Richmond would be winless in 2025. That seems unrealistic. It has not happened since Fitzroy in 1964 and similarly inexperienced teams in the AFL era have always notched at least one victory. In the club’s second season in 2013, GWS went 1-21. Three years later, an Essendon team missing 12 experienced players through doping violation suspensions had three wins. Strugglers North Melbourne and West Coast recorded two triumphs each in 2023. With premiership players like Toby Nankervis, Nathan Broad, Nick Vlastuin and Jayden Short still at Tigerland, and such an even competition, two to four wins seems a more likely outcome.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-season-2025-preview-matt-turner-breaks-down-where-the-tigers-sit/news-story/577f70b60d0924c015ac6b660d562d68

Ross is behind Dow??????????????????

 

[Coburgtiger]

Ross is behind Dow??????????????????

And Hugo is a Rioli replacement.

What's the point of an article like that.

 

[larabee]

Yeah, did they get AI to write this? It had not 1 original thought in it so they could have.

They did manage to get in a little prod with the idea Lynch might leave for a contender, yeah, F off, your speculation on Dusty was a fiction, keep making up crap and we will keep ignoring it.

DS

Herald Scum has gone downhill since blobbo left….

 

[TT33]

Herald Scum has gone downhill since blobbo left….

It'd gone downhill long before that.

 

[CarnTheTiges]

It'd gone downhill long before that.

Evidence is that Blobbo was their chief football reporter.

 

[Sintiger]

It'd gone downhill long before that.

after Louie the Lip ....

 

[ceehook2]

during any given season , with any given club , when a key player goes down injured the side often responds with
multiple players lifting , but similarly it can also expose the prompted players and/or the list depth or structures

we have this quite rare exodus of quality players and no senior players coming in to balance things up

we have an extremely bloated middle group of players who have struggled to secure a regular spot

and we have the mouth watering group of 8 new draftees

for the media , they will spend more time on analysis with flag contenders and have to spread their time and energy across all 18 clubs
our current state throws up a real problem for the casual observer , there's no club inside the last 20 years or so that was in a similar position
so how do they predict what we will be like in 2025 ?

We aren't like the drug banned bombers , their situation was very unique and different

I would put we aren't like North , certainly from the 1960's onwards they haven't enjoyed a strong supporter base (and I suspect their whole existence ), from 2001 - 2016 they had a deliberate and open policy of not bottoming out , but have since changed and gone full rebuild, outwardly , with the loss of star draftee Horn-Francis and the Alistair Clarkson troubles , they are at a low ebb

We are more like West Coast in as much as recent success , 2018 premiership for them , ageing list and the rebuild difficulties and in the last 2 years , smashed by injuries
They do have a strong supporter and sponsor base and there is a level of pride and expectation they will rise

In cotches first year I remember an article that compared him to Ablett jnr and Chris Judd , two champions of the game, for their 1st years. All 3 I think got around 14 possessions per game, not earth shattering , but a sign of things to come.

Looking to 2025

we have a thin spine of experience , but much will depend on Prestia & Lynch and how many games they will play

from our draftees will we get 1 or 2 (Smillie , Lalor ?) that will push their way into the top side

thats not enough to compensate for the departing players

So will the likes of Brown and Campbell , who looked promising rise to another level ?

Its sounds like the vibe has been very good , players seem revitalised
and the likes of Maurice Rioli , Steeely Green , Trezise , Blight , Gray etc perceive there opportunity for them

I can see us being a 10th - 16th team in 2025

 

[Tigertool]

I can see us being a 10th - 16th team in 2025

I would honestly take two wins

Bookmakers' spoon odds, in order, are Tigers, Eagles, North, then a big gap to Essendon.

So if the bookies are right we'll have two of the top 3 draft picks and Essendon will go another year of not winning a final.

I'm OK with all of that.

20 years of no finals and yet they have the worst future list in the comp IMO.

I'd take Caddy and leave the rest. Hopefully they can maintain their middle team status for another year or 2 until Tassie join.

 

[Tony Braxton-Hicks]

I would honestly take two wins


20 years of no finals and yet they have the worst future list in the comp IMO.

I'd take Caddy and leave the rest. Hopefully they can maintain their middle team status for another year or 2 until Tassie join.

Probably best they don't go too badly so they keep experiencing GroundHog False Dawn.

 

[ceehook2]

just two wins is dangerous territory
have two shocking seasons in a row and we start to become a North or West Coast , effort drops away in games , discipline and 1%er's ebb and flows
self esteem and respect for team mates sag

Broad, Prestia , Taranto , Hopper , Lynch are used to playing in winning sides , being accountable etc
hopefully they can drive the standards and the new faces will bring excitement

**

Bombers - their current position/list seems rather similar to North 2010 -2016 , who was leading North then ?

 

[ToraToraTora]

Who says we will only win two games. I have us marked for 4 with 3-4 close ones. An exciting season on the way. This is YEAR ONE.

 

[Sintiger]

Who says we will only win two games. I have us marked for 4 with 3-4 close ones. An exciting season on the way. This is YEAR ONE.

I don't worry too much about what the pundits say but I have noticed that there are a lot of excuses for Carlton's drop off offered because of their injury list but some look at us and say 2 wins, lose some of our best player = disaster
What about our injuries which imo were far worse than Carlton ?
If we can get a good run with injury we will win some games for sure