THE RICHMOND regeneration continues at the upcoming AFL Draft, with the Tigers holding consecutive top-10 selections. After seven of the Tigers’ eight national draftees from 2024 made their debuts this year, the club is once again well poised to be a key player in shaping the order of proceedings.

>> 100+ PROFILES: View the 2025 AFL Draft Guide

2025 RECORD: 17th | 5-18 | 66.0%
2025 PICKS: 3, 4, 38, 81
FUTURE PICKS: ’26 R1, ’26 R2, ’26 R3, ’26 R4 | ’27 R1, ’27 R2, ’27 R3, ’27 R4
ACADEMY/FATHER-SON NOMINEES: Louis Kellaway (F/S)

FIRST PICK(S):
Picks 3 & 4

It’s likely we’ll see the return of ‘Bidmond’ early on night one, with the potential to make as many as four bids within the first half-dozen picks. If West Coast doesn’t call out Zeke Uwland then the Tigers surely will, followed by fellow Suns Academy member Dylan Patterson – who would be the perfect open draft fit.

Then comes another Queenslander in Daniel Annable (tied to Brisbane), and Carlton father-son gun Harry Dean. The latter may be left for Essendon to bid on, but like Patterson suits a long-term list need to justify a bid from Richmond. Though, make no mistake, there’s an element of keeping clubs accountable.

Richmond may be open to fielding offers for pick three, depending on what is left over from West Coast’s two picks. An ideal scenario would see athletic ruck-forward Cooper Duff-Tytler left on the board, but that may then see Essendon come calling for the Calder Cannons product.

Arguably the most likely combination Richmond sews up is that of Eastern Ranges pair Sullivan Robey and Xavier Taylor. Both have quite small draft ranges and if not called out by the Tigers, wouldn’t last past Essendon or Melbourne at the very latest. Lock them in as top-10 picks.

If not both of them, then perhaps Richmond’s need for speed puts Sam Grlj in the mix. It’s a draft to fill list holes, although this would be a bit of a reach with the Oakleigh bolter more likely to be taken early in the teens. Elsewhere, Sam Cumming is a prospect with Tiger traits who will be in high demand in Richmond’s hitting zone.

REMAINING CROP:
Picks 38 & 81

The Tigers are only expected to make three selections in the National Draft. That means the fate of father-son nominee Louis Kellaway is somewhat up in the air. Richmond would likely want to target another player on its board with pick 38 and bring the South Australian midfielder in as a rookie.

In the scenario of using pick 38, small and quick forwards may be in the offing. The likes of Latrelle Pickett and Leon Kickett would be exciting acquisitions if available, while a bid on West Coast Next Generation Academy member Tylah Williams shouldn’t be ruled out, either.

Perhaps Talor Byrne or Zane Peucker fit the bill with their toughness and power, both providing great energy as small mid-forwards. Suns Academy member Koby Coulson could also be an option to carry on earlier trends, with his agility and uncompromising ball winning style suiting Richmond’s midfield.

Depending on what happens earlier in the piece, Richmond could also look to bring in some key position support – mostly in the form of rucks or backs. Taj Murray is a highly developable option in the ruck, while Tasmanian Avery Thomas has plenty of upside as an aggressive interceptor.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– How many bids will the Tigers make amidst their own picks?
– What combination will Richmond target with picks three and four?
– Will Richmond be able to land father-son nominee Louis Kellaway?