Young Richmond duo Kaleb Smith and Liam Fawcett have been informed that they will not receive contracts for the 2027 AFL season.
Smith made his debut in the 2024 season, playing some inconsistent football with 12 total games in four seasons at the club, quad and groin injuries limiting his VFL continuity this year.
“It is always a difficult time of year when we need to make these list decisions." Richmond Executive General Manager, Football Talent, Blair Hartley said in a club statement.
"Both players moved interstate to start their AFL careers and put their best foot forward during their time at the Club.
“We wish them well for their future pursuits on and off the field.”
The small defender was drafted with pick 49 in the 2022 AFL national draft, with injuries plaguing much of his footballing career.
Fawcett departs Punt Road after 12 goals in eight matches across the 2024 and 2025 season for the Tigers.
The young key forward showed promise for Richmond after being selected with Pick 43 in the 2023 National Draft, but was the odd one out amongst a plethora of young tall forwards on the list.
With Fawcett's solid form in his short AFL career, there is much hope for the 21-year-old to find himself on another list in 2027.
The duo join Nathan Broad and Dion Prestia exiting the club this offseason, with Jasper Alger, Kye Annand, Tom Burton, Judson Clarke, Steely Green, Oliver Hayes-Brown, Rhyan Mansell, Toby Nankervis, Hugo Ralphsmith, Maurice Rioli, Thomas Sims, Tyler Sonsie, James Trezise and Nick Vlastuin yet to sign contracts into 2027.
