All eyes will be on what Richmond does with its two top five selections in 2026, with the Tigers to again have a major say on the pointy end of the crop.
They will hope the bevy of high-calibre talent welcomed in across recent drafts can prove the nucleus of their return to finals footy and premiership contention but there remain pieces the club needs to add.
Draft picks: 2, 5, 44, 99
Richmond parted with their first, third and fourth round selections next year and Pick 22 to secure Pick 5 in this year's draft, highlighting that they want this to be the last year they go hard at the draft as they look for a spike out of their young list.
It should give them access to two talents who have been discussed as Pick 1 contenders at different stages of the year.
They will also hope to get a slider with their later pick as they did with Jasper Alger two years ago.
List needs
Ruck: The club recruited Kieran Briggs in the off-season who will have a role to play, particularly following captain Toby Nankervis' retirement. But having delisted Ollie Hayes-Brown and Samson Ryan - the latter in contract - there is a need to get a young developing ruck in the mix who can grow with the strong crop of midfielders drafted in recent years.
Key defender: Nick Vlastuin has probably one year left and following his retirement, he and the now departed Nathan Broad will leave a gaping hole. Ben Miller will spearhead the backline, but the rest is largely unproven. Despite his height, Luke Trainor is more of an intercepting third tall, and Kye Annand has played only a handful of games. There is every chance Noah Balta will be needed to provide support inside 50 beyond next year following Tom Lynch's likely retirement.
Speed: Richmond has been criticised for its go-slow mode across 2026 and while part of that has been due to a difficulty to implement a game plan given the youth of the list and decimation by injury - it is true they somewhat lack players capable and willing to get speed on the ball and give the forward line good looks.
Goal-scoring small forward: Seth Campbell, Rhyan Mansell, Maurice Rioli and Tom Burton make up Richmond's current crop of small forwards. Campbell may be better utilised further up the field, Mansell is more of a connector than a true crumber, Rioli is inconsistent and struggles to hit the scoreboard, and Burton has played only a handful of games. Taj Hotton is also on the list, but as with Campbell, will develop into a midfielder and Jasper Alger is more of a marking medium forward than a true small. A livewire who is athletic, can apply pressure and kick goals would be a handy addition.
Potential targets
Harry Van Hattum: Richmond has been linked to Harry Van Hattum, the mature-bodied ruck who is viewed as a top five talent in the crop. It is true that clubs rarely use a top-end selection on rucks, but he has the scope to be a difference maker at AFL level with his ball use and combativeness and Luke Jackson has proven there is still a place for that sort of player.
Arki Butler: Butler is the potential x-factor forward the Tigers would be after. His sheer competitiveness, skill and dynamism make for an ideal package. He has also been backed to make an impact immediately at the next level and has the personality to get under opposition defenders' skin.
Mitch Harris: Not one the Tigers have been linked as closely to, but if Richmond's preferred targets are off the board by Pick 5 - Harris is in the next band. An athletic key defender, he could come in and impact with his competitiveness, ability to lock down and intercept.
Gus Teixeira: Teixeira is one who could make sense for Richmond to target. The Sandringham player advanced into top five discussions off the back of a starring National Championships where he proved to be a difficult matchup inside 50, having already shown credentials as a clearance and ball-winning midfielder. His power and work rate are among his standout attributes.
Harvie Cooke: One who could be of interest for Richmond at their third selection, Cooke is a strong-bodied, dynamic front-half threat who played through the midfield for Northern Knights and Vic Metro this year. He won just about every award available: Morrish Medal, Northern Knights best and fairest and was named an Under-18s All-Australian and finished in the top five of the Larke Medal for the best performed player at the Under-18s National Championships. Powerful and able to hit the scoreboard, he has similarities to Collingwood's Lachie Schultz.
Zach Stevens: Could Geelong bolter Zach Stevens still be on the board in the 40s? If so, he is lightning quick and has a proven ability to score goals and would be a good pickup as a dynamic forward - particularly if they miss out on or overlook Butler on night one. Livewire Marcus Prasad and GWV Rebels Jamie Elliot-like forward Archie Elliott are other options for that later selection.
Tanner Armstrong: A Next Generation Academy talent, Armstrong is unlikely to fetch a bid at the National Draft, but could be rookie-listed by Richmond. Has spent time training there and is a natural ball-winner and possesses ruthless competitiveness. Could develop into a disciplined lockdown player or inside midfielder in time.
