Selecting every AFL team’s best 23 for 2026: Richmond Tigers

With some pundits predicting a winless season for the Tigers in 2025, a five-win campaign was considered a success given the youthful state of their list. After a huge draft haul in 2024 with a record six first-round picks, the Tigers added another two first-rounders in 2025 in Sam Cumming (Pick 7) and Sam Grlj (Pick 8). Following their golden era, which spanned from 2017 to 2020, the Tigers will aim to continue building their next premiership side in 2026. This is what their best 23 in 2026 might look like... Defenders Josh Gibcus remains central to the Tigers' defensive future. After a horror run with injury early in his career, his intercept marking and athleticism mean he could be a long-term pillar down back. 195cm intercepting defender Luke Trainor also looks to be a long-term prospect for the Tigers after featuring 21 times in his debut season. Noah Balta is capable of playing at either end of the ground, but when deployed down back he has proven he can match it with the competition's best forwards. Ben Miller has emerged as a dependable key defender after featuring in every game in 2025. Nick Vlastuin remains the backbone of the Tigers' back six. The experienced premiership defender is brave and reliable, combining his intercept game with the ability to shut down quality opponents. Nathan Broad continues to be trusted with difficult roles, while youngster Tom Brown adds composure and class with his elite ball use. http://gty.im/2225958889 Jayden Short remains a key weapon with his booming right foot, run-and-carry and ability to launch attacks from defensive 50, while Sam Banks enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2025, bringing line-breaking speed and nice ball use. Kaleb Smith provides defensive depth after 11 games last season, though he appears more likely to begin outside the club's best 23, as is the case with young tall Campbell Gray. Midfielders Tim Taranto remains the Tigers' prime mover in the midfield after claiming the 2025 best and fairest in a difficult season. His ability to win contested footy and hit the scoreboard makes him Richmond's most influential midfielder. http://gty.im/2228400963 Dion Prestia remains a crucial figure when fit. The premiership midfielder has battled injury in recent seasons, but at his best still brings class and experience. Jacob Hopper continues to provide the midfield with a tough, uncompromising edge, excelling in the contest and at clearance. Jack Ross enjoyed a career-best campaign in 2025 and has earned greater trust from Adem Yze on the inside, emerging as a reliable midfield option. Josh Smillie is yet to make his AFL debut due to injury, but his size and athleticism make him one of the club's most exciting midfield prospects. James Trezise offers flexibility as both a wingman and rebounding defender, with his neat left foot and running capacity proving effective. Hugo Ralphsmith remains on the fringe and will be eager to cement a permanent wing role in 2026, while draftee Sam Grlj could also feature on the outside for the Tigers with his speed and running power. Youngster Kane McAuliffe, who endured limited opportunity in 2025, will look to build on his 14 games as a powerful inside presence. Patrick Retschko arrives from Geelong as a hard-running utility, while Tyler Sonsie's talent is obvious, but he must deliver greater consistency at AFL level to lock down a spot. Toby Nankervis continues to lead the group as captain and first-choice ruck. His physicality and stoppage work remain crucial to Richmond's midfield, while Samson Ryan and category B rookie Oliver Hayes-Brown provide ruck depth, with the latter unlikely to feature unless injury strikes. Forwards Tom Lynch remains the leader of the Tigers' forward line. The premiership key forward continues to provide a reliable focal point inside 50, with his experience crucial in guiding a young group. The Tigers' next generation of tall targets is beginning to emerge. Harry Armstrong and Jonty Faull, both first-round selections, are expected to start in the best 23 and could form a formidable long-term partnership. Further developing options Liam Fawcett and Thomas Sims will likely continue their development at state league level before consistent senior opportunities arise. Sam Lalor looms as potentially the most exciting Richmond prospect since Dustin Martin. The 2024 No.1 pick showed glimpses of his enormous potential in 2025, with his explosiveness, aerial ability and capacity to pinch-hit through the midfield giving the Tigers a genuine weapon. http://gty.im/2211070050 Mykelti Lefau, after being cruelled by injury, shapes as another X-factor. His athleticism and natural goal sense were evident in 2024, and he could force his way into the best 23 by season's end if he can stay injury-free. Rhyan Mansell leads Richmond's small forwards with his elite front-half pressure, while fellow Seth Campbell was the club's leading goalkicker in 2025. Draftee Sam Cumming could join the pair in the front half, where his power at ground level and overhead marking could prove an asset. Jasper Alger, Maurice Rioli, Steely Green and Taj Hotton provide further small-forward depth. Best 23 FB: Nick Vlastuin, Noah Balta, Tom Brown HB: Sam Banks, Ben Miller, Jayden Short C: Luke Trainor, Dion Prestia, James Trezise HF: Seth Campbell, Tom Lynch, Taj Hotton FF: Rhyan Mansell, Jonty Faull, Sam Lalor FO: Toby Nankervis, Jacob Hopper, Tim Taranto I/C: Nathan Broad, Jack Ross, Josh Gibcus, Harry Armstrong, Sam Cumming Stiff to miss: Josh Smillie, Sam Grlj, Hugo Ralphsmith, Maurice Rioli, Jasper Alger, Mykelti Lefau

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	ADEL	23	18	5	72	139.3
2	GEEL	23	17	6	68	141.5
3	BL	23	16	6	66	114.2
4	COLL	23	16	7	64	122.4
5	GWS	23	16	7	64	115.3
6	FRE	23	16	7	64	109
7	GC	23	15	8	60	124.9
8	HAW	23	15	8	60	120.9

Selecting every AFL team’s best 23 for 2026: Richmond Tigers

After investing heavily in the draft in recent years, the Tigers will be looking to build on their five-win 2025 season.

Best 23

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