Season 2025 was always earmarked to be a tough season for Richmond, as they sold the house to secure eight draftees, including six in the first round.
But six weeks in, and two shock defeats, it doesn't all appear to be doom and gloom.
Prized No.1 Pick Sam Lalor continues to take strides to stardom quicker than expected, and Saturday's performance in the win against Gold Coast was no different.
Forwards Jonty Faull and Harry Armstrong have shown plenty in their early runs, while key defender Luke Trainor looks like a 100-game player.
But the plaudits should go to a host of experienced Tigers who were instrumental in the shock win over the undefeated Suns, and as coach Adem Yze said it post-match, they are the reason for the club's "fast-tracked" development.
"We'll say this all the way through the season," Yze said.
"We go into every game to win. We prepare, we review, we'll be very honest about it.
"We've got a young list. And with that list, comes a lot of spirit and energy, and we keep lauding our younger players, and they are the growth of (our club).
"But our leaders really stood up. Nank and Tim Taranto, and Hopper and Vlastuin... to see their names at the top of, not only possessions, but the influence they had on the game.
"The reason why we're fast-tracking their development of our younger players is because of them. Their guidance and leadership is something we're really proud of, and hopefully they can take us a fair way this year."
Midfield trio Tim Taranto (35 disposals, six clearances, six tackles and a goal), Jacob Hopper (27 possessions, eight clearances and six score involvements) and Toby Nankervis (10 touches, three clearances and 26 hit-outs).
SEE MORE: Read what Adem Yze said about Noah Balta's performance
On the defensive end, Nick Vlastuin and Noah Balta combined for 25 intercept possessions, while the latter's performance limited Coleman medal fancy Ben King to one goal.
Key forward Tom Lynch was a beacon in the front half alongside a youthful cohort, kicking two majors but, more importantly, providing crucial leadership to his inexperienced teammates.
The Tigers still have the second-worst percentage (65.7 per cent) in the league, only ahead of West Coast.
But with confidence building at Punt Road, and winnable clashes in three of the next four contests, we might get a glimpse of what's brewing at Tigerland.
