Richmond bans forward caught drink driving

Richmond forward Mykelti Lefau has been suspended by the Tigers after being caught drink driving over the weekend by Victoria Police.

The 27-year-old will miss Friday's pre-season hitout against Melbourne and the Tigers' Round 1 clash with Carlton.

He will also make a $2500 donation to a relevant charity and undergo alcohol behavioural counselling.

It is alleged Lefau had a blood alcohol reading of .108. He has been disqualified from driving for 10 months.

Lefau said he was extremely remorseful and apologised to fans and teammates.

"I made a really poor choice," Lefau said,

"I am deeply embarrased by what has taken place."

Richmond CEO Shane Dunn said Lefau's actions were unacceptable.

"We are extremely disappointed ... he is fully aware that his poor judgement put himself and the community at risk," Dunn said.

"He understands he has let his teammates and the club down and will address them all tomorrow."

After showing genuine promise as an athletic spearhead in the first half of 2024, the New Zealand-born player ruptured his ACL, which sidelined him for the early portion of 2025.

Coupled with a calf injury, he was kept to just one AFL appearance last season, coming on as the medical substitute against Adelaide in Round 16. He kicked six goals in six games for the Tigers' VFL side in 2025.

Following Richmond's 50-point loss to Essendon on Friday, Tigers development coach Jack Ziebell lauded the progress of Lefau, who kicked three goals on the day.

"He's a powerful, big key forward and a strong body but he'd been through a bit last year and tore his calf toward the back half of the season," Ziebell said.

"For him to get up and do a full pre-season and show what he's capable of out there today is really pleasing for us."