Player Watch #33 Patrick Retschko

[prodigy]

Richmond has welcomed Patrick Retschko to its list from Geelong in the final stages of the AFL trade period.

Retschko, a 186cm midfielder with a strong athletic background, spent the 2025 season with the Cats after being selected in the 2024 Rookie Draft.

The Oakleigh Chargers/Caulfield Grammar product averaged 21.5 disposals across 18 matches at VFL level this season, including a 30-disposal performance in Round 20.

Impressively, the 19-year-old amassed 20 touches or more in 12 of his matches. He also booted 13 goals and averaged two tackles per game.

The hard-running utility who has the size to impact at both stoppage and around the ground recorded a standout time of 6:07 in the 2km time trial at the AFL Draft Combine last year.

Richmond Executive General Manager, Football Talent, Blair Hartley, said the Club was pleased to bring Retschko to the Swinburne Centre.

“Patrick is a player we have tracked closely through the talent pathway leading into last year’s draft and during his first year at Geelong, where he played some strong VFL football,” he said.

“He has shown AFL traits, with elite endurance, that allows him to find the football on the wing and across half back.

“He played consistently strong state league football through 2025 and is also a lifelong Tigers fan, so we are delighted to be able to give him this opportunity.”

Richmond has sent pick No. 99 overall to Geelong in exchange for the young midfielder.

The Club opted to make a deal with the Cats prior to the trade deadline to allow for Retschko to become a Tiger prior to the delisted free agency window opening on November 3.

 

[tigs2010]

Excellent get

 

[Squibbs]

Doozy

 

[SA_Tiger11]

run down anyone?

 

[blaisee]

Excellent get

Will play round 1

Probably the best wingman we have on the list

 

[Muddiemoose]

Anyone know anything about him

Patrick Retschko | AFL

Follow Patrick Retschko's progress through AFL

www.geelongcats.com.au

 

[T4P]

****ing stoked by this. Like finding a Christmas present under the tree when you thought you had opened them all

 

[Aido97]

Who????

 

[Toadvine]

Can we call Pat Ret because I can't be ****ed with all those other letters

 

[Truetiger]

Stupid question who’s that lol

 

[beema limapep]

My god, what have we done

 

[Frustrated Tiger]

 

[RedmanWasHere]

Ex Oakleigh Chargers teammate of Jasper Alger.

 

[Truetiger]

 

[fargothegreat]

Never heard of this kid, but his VFL numbers look alright and a quick search of his name on the Geelong board provides a lot of posts expressing surprise that he was being let go after only one year.

 

[_RT_]

Rookie Me Central write up on Patrick

A strong preseason had Patrick Retschko's name on everybody's lips, with the hard-running utility primed to make a significant step in his top-age campaign. He ended up performing strongly across multiple levels, proving a mainstay for Vic Metro, Oakleigh Chargers, and Carey Grammar.

Retschko's running ability is just about second to none. He would be seen warming up by running laps of the field, already getting a couple of kilometres under his belt before adding another 15 in-game. It translates to relentless outside run which creates enormous transitional drive.

A 6:07 2km time trial only confirmed his elite endurance at the state draft combine. That kind of base meant his game would be applicable to a variety of roles this season. Starting on the wing, he also had a go running off half-back and through midfield, where his rests would be spent up forward.

Retschko has the size to impact at stoppages and around the ground, often taking strong overhead grabs. He could perhaps enhance the defensive side of his game with more pressure acts and the like, especially if he is to play down back. Kicking on the run is another improvement area, as his execution tends to waver.

VFL Stats

 

[T4P]

Will be unlucky to not win the norm Smith when Lalor wins it

 

[Toadvine]

Apparently played very well on the wing at VFL level.

Comments on social media seem to be that Cats fans were surprised he was cut

 

[Foley#41]

Paid overs?

 

[kozi]

****ing stoked by this. Like finding a Christmas present under the tree when you thought you had opened them all

Like checking bottom of maccas bag when you think you’re done and there’s a pile of chips fallen out

 

[Muddiemoose]

Got the inside word off my brother in law who is a cats fanatic

 

[ROYCY HART A TRUE CHF]

That came out of left field.

 

[Tackle Bag]

Kmac replacement on a wing? Tackles and can run.

 

[Muddiemoose]

Rookie Me Central write up on Patrick

A strong preseason had Patrick Retschko's name on everybody's lips, with the hard-running utility primed to make a significant step in his top-age campaign. He ended up performing strongly across multiple levels, proving a mainstay for Vic Metro, Oakleigh Chargers, and Carey Grammar.

Retschko's running ability is just about second to none. He would be seen warming up by running laps of the field, already getting a couple of kilometres under his belt before adding another 15 in-game. It translates to relentless outside run which creates enormous transitional drive.

A 6:07 2km time trial only confirmed his elite endurance at the state draft combine. That kind of base meant his game would be applicable to a variety of roles this season. Starting on the wing, he also had a go running off half-back and through midfield, where his rests would be spent up forward.

Retschko has the size to impact at stoppages and around the ground, often taking strong overhead grabs. He could perhaps enhance the defensive side of his game with more pressure acts and the like, especially if he is to play down back. Kicking on the run is another improvement area, as his execution tends to waver.

VFL Stats
View attachment 2457461

Sounds very similar to Kmac

Elite runner and bigger body

 

[Foley#41]

Haha we’ve dudded Geelong.
That pick will end up being 137.