There is one defining moment that Richmond Next Generation Academy member Tanner Armstrong keeps coming back to.
The Murray Bushrangers AFL Draft prospect and Scotch College boarder played a role in the pre-game cultural ceremony at the Dreamtime on the 'G clash a fortnight ago.
"It's pretty surreal to be out there on the MCG in front of 80,000 people at Dreamtime, it's an unreal moment to be part of," Armstrong told Zero Hanger.
"Just to be out there with the cold grass on your feet and the atmosphere around you... it's something you can't even dream of."
Armstrong performed alongside potential future teammates Maurice Rioli and Rhyan Mansell, among others, in front of a packed MCG.
The performance was a powerful opportunity to share his culture on footy's biggest stage.
"A group of us boys from Scotch ended up doing it. We got together and recreated the dance and then it went together really well,'' Armstrong shared.
"We practiced it twice a week for three weeks and it was really exciting."
For a young man who grew up watching his older brother walk through the doors of Richmond's Next Generation Academy, the Dreamtime experience was a pillar of what has always driven him.
"Definitely to be around your family and hear stories from your uncles and your aunties and nans and pops, it makes you feel connected to your culture, makes you feel really happy to be around,” Armstrong reflected.
That connection is at the heart of everything.
On the field, Armstrong backs that identity with performance. A hard working, ball-winning midfielder for the Murray Bushrangers, he averaged 25 disposals across his six Talent League appearances in 2025.
In AFL Academy showcases against North Melbourne VFL and Richmond VFL, Armstrong capitalised the opportunity before him.
He collected 21 and 27 disposals respectively, finishing the second game with seven clearances, six tackles and nine marks in a display that was arguably best on ground.
Playing for Scotch College on Saturday in front of AFL luminaries including Caulfield Grammar footy director Jimmy Bartel and Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell, Armstrong showed the work rate which underpinned those strong performances.
For Armstrong, Indigenous Round isn't limited to the MCG. He holds that same strength and pride through his school footy, pulling on a specially designed Indigenous jumper for Scotch College in their clash against Geelong College in late May. The moment hit him the same way, as he lead Scotch to a 26 point win.
"I don't think people realise how important the culture is for Indigenous mob'', highlighted Armstrong.
It's a feeling that runs deep, and one that Richmond's NGA has helped develop. Since his older brother first put the club on the family's radar, Armstrong has been welcomed in a program that treats the person as well as it treats the footballer.
Dieticians, nutritionists, structured gym sessions and the work rate of elite preparation has been a key focus for Armstrong this year.
"Being a part of the NGA at Richmond, they've also got a really good culture there," he said.
"They've had a lot of good Indigenous boys that have come through their programs. For me to hopefully be in that program and following in the footsteps of the Daniel Riolis, that's pretty exciting."
As Armstrong navigates his final year of school and the APS football season, Richmond's interest in him remains strong.
Recruiter Rhy Gieschen keeps in regular contact, checking in on his development, offering different tips around his strengths and the areas still to sharpen. Mentor Joel Garner is a constant presence too, acting as a steady hand through the noise of a draft year and a busy 2026 campaign.
"Richmond has played a big part of my season this year," Armstrong said.
"They're getting me on my diet plan (and) making me do gym sessions. Rhy just lets me know how I'm going, what I'm doing well, and what I'm (going to) improve on. And Joel, he's always there for me,'' the youngster said, emphasising the club's role in his development.
The Tigers are building a serious war chest of young talent, holding priority access to Armstrong via their Next Generation Academy, alongside father-son pick Jack Leys, a roaring South Australian winger, and Geelong Falcons standout Archie Daffy.
Armstrong is carrying the loads of his family and talents who preceded him at Punt Rd and on his current trajectory, that cold grass could be his home ground in 2027 and beyond.
