Richmond coach Adem Yze says that draftees Josh Smillie and Jasper Alger are inching closer and closer to an AFL debut, with their latest VFL performance forcing their names into selection consideration.
Smillie came to Punt Road after being selected with Pick 7 in the 2024 National Draft, and has put a pre-season hamstring injury in the rearview mirror, spending the past four weeks in the reserves.
The last two weeks have seen the bullocking midfielder play a full game for the Tigers VFL side, where he collected 23 disposals and five clearances in the loss to Casey Demons, and then 17 touches and four tackles in the win over Box Hill Hawks.
"They both took a big step on the weekend" Yze said of Smillie and Alger.
"Josh played his second full game (in the VFL). Started to get into some form. He'll get through (training) today, and we've got selection later this afternoon, but he's getting closer to an AFL game."
Alger is also impressing during his opening six weeks in Tigers colours, kicking 9.9 and averaging just over 10 possessions and two marks.
The crafty forward was selected with Pick 58 in November and has shone brightly thus far.
"Jasper hit the scoreboard really well on the weekend, so his name is going to be in the mix later as well," Yze said.
Richmond will host West Coast at the MCG on Sunday, and intriguingly, will reunite with former premiership stars Liam Baker and Jack Graham.
The pair made the switch via trade and free agency to the Eagles, and will face off against their old side for the first time.
"They were great Richmond men," Yze said.
"And now they're playing for West Coast. So, understanding the type of people they are, they'll be pretty nervous against some of their mates.
"But we understand what they'll bring. They're tough competitors.
"We can't wait to catch up with them after the game, but it'll be on for young and old."
The Tigers will enter Sunday's clash as outright favourites to claim the victory, a feat they will rarely see in 2025.
Yze and his men have already notched up two wins to the surprise of many, taking down Carlton (Round 1) and Gold Coast (Round 6), with a third win very much on the horizon.
But that won't change how they prepare.
"No different to when the odds are against us," Yze said.
"We prepare the same way. We're striving to play consistent four-quarter footy, and that's irrelevant of who we play."
