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Analysis 2026 List Analysis

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Not A Minion
Preview King Veteran 10k Posts 30k Posts A Star Wars Fan Richmond Tigers - Josh Gibcus Player Sponsor 2022 Richmond Tigers - Kamdyn McIntosh Player Sponsor 2022 Richmond Tigers - 2021 Player Sponsor
Sep 17, 2006
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Southern Stand Punt Road End
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Richmond
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Furies Premiers 2010
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Current List Make Up: 38 Senior Listed 3 Cat A Rookies 1 Cat B Rookie
Open Spots: 1 Cat A Rookie & 1 Cat B Rookie
Average Age: 24 years old (ranked 16th)
Average Games Played: 58.7 (ranked 17th)
Average Goals Kicked: 27.7 (ranked 17th)

Contract Status
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Much more well balanced list heading into 2026 which should aid development at both senior and VFL level and the sides should be able to line up in quite similar structures which should also mean the style of play is also much the same meaning that the kids we're looking at developing for roles in the seniors will actually be playing those roles rather than being forced to play other roles just to be able to get a game.
 
Only 13 players with 50 games or more (some of them bog average) and only hope of 5 more getting there this year and 1 of them probably shouldn't.

Sooner we can get the 2024 & 2025 crop to 50 games the better. The challenge is having enough experience in there not to get slaughtered in the process.
 
Going to be a lot of list movement again at end of 2026 looking at the out of contract group….Broad, Prestia and Lynch all to retire plus a fair few delistings. I’d estimate we’re probably pre-paying at least 1-1.5 million to reach 95% of salary cap with so much inexperience.
 

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_RT_ said:
Much more well balanced list heading into 2026 which should aid development at both senior and VFL level and the sides should be able to line up in quite similar structures which should also mean the style of play is also much the same meaning that the kids we're looking at developing for roles in the seniors will actually be playing those roles rather than being forced to play other roles just to be able to get a game.
Click to expand...
Yeah much better than the plethora of talls we had last season. Although, if we somehow manage to field a team with all of Gibcus, Trainor, Miller and Balta, it does only leave us with Gray in the VFL.
 
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Now that we've fixed our incredible list-imbalance we can also have more integrity around selection. Green was okay last year but the fact we had to play him regardless of form was bad, same to some extent with Short/Smith. There might also be more competition for the second-wing slot rather than just Ross/Sonsie/Trainor/Trezise floating into it.

Still seem a no-brainer to try play TT more off half-forward and let some kids take a crack playing on-ball.

By my reckoning we need a bona-fide winger and then finding replacements for Nank/TT/Hopper (no doubt we'll pick up another top midfielder next draft). Maybe also a Lambert-style two-way runner as well.
 
I still can't believe Ryan has two more years. Looking at the free agents list for next year Briggs from GWS could be a target for a Nank replacement. Can't say I've seen too much of him but anyone else we would need to trade for.

In theory next year should be the final clear out of any of the dead wood, guys like Smith and Sonsie are for sure on the chopping block and Broad, Prestia and Lynch are likely to retire. If we can show some good signs next year playing the kids, we need to get smart with the cap space and do a bit of a St Kilda to round things out a bit. Exciting times ahead.
 
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Just looking at the list of players who are out of contract this year and I thought I'd rank them in terms of re-signing importance taking into account being in best 23, age, list needs & potential.

1. Ben Miller - a foundation piece of our back 6 that has proven his worth the last 2 years.
2. Nick Vlastuin - cool calm collected leader of the back line should play 2 more years at least.
3. Toby Nankervis - currently the captain and number 1 ruck, even if Ryan/OHB step up still needs to be retained for leadership
4. Josh Gibcus - looking like the injuries are behind him now and will be important moving forward with Broad & Vlastiun near the end.
5. Tom Lynch - unless Faull/Armstrong/Fawcett have major breakout years Lynch will be very important for us over the next 2 years as a leader and mentor.
6. Jack Ross - as one of the few established players between the older & younger groups he shapes as an important part of our future midfield.
7. Maurice Rioli - appears as though the penny has finally dropped as he has come back to training in great shape. A big year for him and if he can step up and have more of an impact both up forward and through the midfield in spurts he shapes as a difference maker.
8. Rhyan Mansell - an interesting one, I'd like to keep him around as he is similar to Ross as an established player in between the older and younger groups, but Tasmania are sure to ask a question of him to be part of their initial squad.
9. Hugo Ralphsmith - a player who splits opinion, with some thinking he can become part of our next finals side and others wanting him delisted. Right now our only proven winger but needs a big season to remain after 2026.
10. Jasper Alger - training reports suggest Alger has come back in great shape and is ready to step up in his second year. If he can he'll quickly climb these rankings.
11. Liam Fawcett - while we're still trying to work out which of our young KPF are going to be the ones to lead us back into the finals Fawcett should be retained. Has been a bit of a slow burn since being drafted he could be one to watch in 2026.
12. Steely Green - as part of a crowded general forwards group Green will need a big year to get re-signed for 2027 and beyond. Has shown some glimpses at times that he can become a handy role player.
13. James Trezise - was given an opportunity to play on the wing in 2025 and didn't really grab the chance despite playing 16 games. With the likes of Grlj Retschko Clarke & Sonsie all possible options for the wing, he'll need a big year.
14. Patrick Retschko - could be an absolute bargain buy after the Cats were going to delist him and we traded a very late pick to acquire him late in the trade period. A player we liked in the 2024 draft who addresses our need for outside run and carry. Right now he is towards the bottom of this list, but is definitely one to watch in 2026 should he get his chance on the wing.
15. Oliver Hayes-Brown - as one of only 3 ruck on our list he could arguably be higher on this list, but as a Cat B rookie who is yet to make his debut he finds himself towards the bottom. If Nankervis gets hurt it will be telling if they go Hayes-Brown over Ryan.
16. Mykelti Lefau - despite being a fan favourite I'm not that confident that MyKelti remains after this year. Was good in his first year, but had the ACL, and now finds himself behind the likes of Faull Armstrong Sims & Fawcett for a KPF role.
17. Tyler Sonsie - last player signed for 2026 despite playing the last 12 games of the year, which doesn't bode well for his long term future, which is why he is at the bottom of the list heading into 2026. Needs a massive year to still be around in 2027.
18. Judson Clarke - injuries have been a major issue for him the last 2 years having suffered back to back ACLs. Won't be back until the 2nd half of the season so behind the 8 ball
19. Kaleb Smith - finds himself as part of a crowded general defenders group. The main issue with Smith is that he doesn't have any outstanding traits


IMO this will be the final year for both Dion Prestia & Nathan Broad(reportedly has said this is his last contract). Both have been outstanding servants of the club over the last decade, but would see that opportunities for both will be limited after this year.
 
Meteoric Rise said:
It fills me with dread knowing we are likely to be falling off a cliff in 2040 when all these recently drafted guns hit the wall.

Mind you the minimum 4 flags we are going to win in the intervening years will probably be some consolation.
Click to expand...

Yes, i don't want to spend the start of my retirement years watching our team get flogged every week.

Agree
 
I asked AI to provide an overview of expecatations in 2026….reckon copilot has been hitting the egg nog a bit too hard….


As of late 2025, Richmond is firmly in a "regeneration" phase. While the club's golden era is in the rearview mirror, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of exciting growth rather than just survival.

Here is a breakdown of what to realistically expect from the Tigers in 2026:

1. Ladder Position: Slow and Steady

Don't expect a sudden surge into the Top 8 just yet. After a 2-win season in 2024 and a 5-win season in 2025, a realistic "pass mark" for 2026 is 7–9 wins.

  • The Goal: Moving out of the bottom three and becoming a team that is "hard to play against" at the MCG.
  • The Reality: They still have the 2nd least experienced list in the league. There will be weeks where they look brilliant and weeks where they look like the young side they are.
2. The "Super-Draft" Core Takes Over

The 2026 season will be the first time we see the massive haul of talent from the 2024 and 2025 drafts truly start to gel.

  • Sam Lalor: After navigating hamstring setbacks in 2025, expect the 2024 No. 1 pick to become a permanent fixture in the midfield/forward rotation.
  • The 2025 Class: New draftees like Sam Cumming and Sam Grlj (The "Sizzler") will likely see significant game time early. Grlj, in particular, is expected to provide the "burst" from the contest that Richmond has lacked since Shai Bolton's departure.
  • Jagga Smith’s Return: Keep an eye on Jagga Smith; after missing 2025 with an ACL injury, his return will feel like a brand-new top-tier recruit for the midfield.
3. Tactical Shift: Fixing the Engine Room

Coach Adem Yze (freshly extended until 2028) has been vocal about 2026 being the year they fix their stoppage craft.

  • In 2025, Richmond ranked second-to-last in clearances.
  • Expect a more aggressive, high-pressure midfield style. They will rely on the veteran trio of Nankervis, Taranto, and Hopper to provide the muscle while the "kids" (McAuliffe, Lalor, and Campbell) provide the speed.
4. The Roster Transition

2026 marks a major "changing of the guard."

  • The Veterans: It may be the final year for club legends like Dion Prestia and Tom Lynch (both free agents in 2026). Their primary role will be mentoring the next generation of "bookends" like Josh Gibcus and Jonty Faull.
  • The Youth Movement: Expect Josh Gibcus to finally take the mantle as the #1 intercept defender, supported by the evergreen Nick Vlastuin.
5. Off-Field Stability

With the Punt Road Oval redevelopment in full swing and Yze’s contract secured, the club is prioritizing culture over quick wins. The addition of experienced heads like Luke Breust and Taylor Duryea to the coaching staff suggests a focus on teaching the "winning habits" to a group that hasn't experienced a premiership.

The Verdict: 2026 will be a year of "High Ceiling, Low Floor." They might beat a Top 4 team in a Friday night upset at the 'G, but then lose to a bottom-tier side the following week. For Tigers fans, success in 2026 isn't measured by the premiership points, but by seeing 5–6 of their "young cubs" establish themselves as genuine AFL stars.​
 
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_RT_ said:
Just looking at the list of players who are out of contract this year and I thought I'd rank them in terms of re-signing importance taking into account being in best 23, age, list needs & potential.

1. Ben Miller - a foundation piece of our back 6 that has proven his worth the last 2 years.
2. Nick Vlastuin - cool calm collected leader of the back line should play 2 more years at least.
3. Toby Nankervis - currently the captain and number 1 ruck, even if Ryan/OHB step up still needs to be retained for leadership
4. Josh Gibcus - looking like the injuries are behind him now and will be important moving forward with Broad & Vlastiun near the end.
5. Tom Lynch - unless Faull/Armstrong/Fawcett have major breakout years Lynch will be very important for us over the next 2 years as a leader and mentor.
6. Jack Ross - as one of the few established players between the older & younger groups he shapes as an important part of our future midfield.
7. Maurice Rioli - appears as though the penny has finally dropped as he has come back to training in great shape. A big year for him and if he can step up and have more of an impact both up forward and through the midfield in spurts he shapes as a difference maker.
8. Rhyan Mansell - an interesting one, I'd like to keep him around as he is similar to Ross as an established player in between the older and younger groups, but Tasmania are sure to ask a question of him to be part of their initial squad.
9. Hugo Ralphsmith - a player who splits opinion, with some thinking he can become part of our next finals side and others wanting him delisted. Right now our only proven winger but needs a big season to remain after 2026.
10. Jasper Alger - training reports suggest Alger has come back in great shape and is ready to step up in his second year. If he can he'll quickly climb these rankings.
11. Liam Fawcett - while we're still trying to work out which of our young KPF are going to be the ones to lead us back into the finals Fawcett should be retained. Has been a bit of a slow burn since being drafted he could be one to watch in 2026.
12. Steely Green - as part of a crowded general forwards group Green will need a big year to get re-signed for 2027 and beyond. Has shown some glimpses at times that he can become a handy role player.
13. James Trezise - was given an opportunity to play on the wing in 2025 and didn't really grab the chance despite playing 16 games. With the likes of Grlj Retschko Clarke & Sonsie all possible options for the wing, he'll need a big year.
14. Patrick Retschko - could be an absolute bargain buy after the Cats were going to delist him and we traded a very late pick to acquire him late in the trade period. A player we liked in the 2024 draft who addresses our need for outside run and carry. Right now he is towards the bottom of this list, but is definitely one to watch in 2026 should he get his chance on the wing.
15. Oliver Hayes-Brown - as one of only 3 ruck on our list he could arguably be higher on this list, but as a Cat B rookie who is yet to make his debut he finds himself towards the bottom. If Nankervis gets hurt it will be telling if they go Hayes-Brown over Ryan.
16. Mykelti Lefau - despite being a fan favourite I'm not that confident that MyKelti remains after this year. Was good in his first year, but had the ACL, and now finds himself behind the likes of Faull Armstrong Sims & Fawcett for a KPF role.
17. Tyler Sonsie - last player signed for 2026 despite playing the last 12 games of the year, which doesn't bode well for his long term future, which is why he is at the bottom of the list heading into 2026. Needs a massive year to still be around in 2027.
18. Judson Clarke - injuries have been a major issue for him the last 2 years having suffered back to back ACLs. Won't be back until the 2nd half of the season so behind the 8 ball
19. Kaleb Smith - finds himself as part of a crowded general defenders group. The main issue with Smith is that he doesn't have any outstanding traits


IMO this will be the final year for both Dion Prestia & Nathan Broad(reportedly has said this is his last contract). Both have been outstanding servants of the club over the last decade, but would see that opportunities for both will be limited after this year.
Click to expand...
Miller extended, he's not out of contract next year
 
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Infamy said:
Miller extended, he's not out of contract next year
Click to expand...
I'd still rate him as the first player we should be looking to extend in 2026.
 

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