Richmond have announced the re-signings of a trio of young players, with Maurice Rioli Junior, Josh Gibcus and Jack Ross all committing to the club.
Both Rioli and Ross have inked two-year contract extensions, extending their time at the club until at least the end of 2024. While 2021 draftee Gibcus has also signed on for a further two years, tying him to the Tigers until the conclusion of the 2025 season.
The three new deals come on the eve of Richmond's finals campaign, set to face Brisbane in a do-or-die clash on Thursday night.
Speaking to club media, Richmond General Manager- Football Talent Blair Hartley said the re-signings reflected the club's faith in the young trio.
“These contract extensions show our confidence in Josh, Jack and Maurice and our excitement for what they can achieve across the coming years as part of our football program," Hartley said.
“We are thrilled to have them commit to the Club.”
Gibcus has impressed throughout his debut season, playing 17 matches in total since his Round 1 debut. The young defender has averaged 9.2 disposals, 5.4 spoils and 1.4 intercept marks throughout his rookie year, while also kicking three goals during his time spent up forward.
“Josh has had an exceptional debut season of AFL football and is continuing to learn and improve his craft,” Hartley said.
“To play so much senior football in his first season is a great achievement for Josh as a young key position player and is a credit to the hard work he has put in since first arriving at the Club.”
Ross, who has appeared 14 times for the Tigers at senior level in 2022, was drafted with pick 42 in the 2018 national draft, playing 43 games thus far in his career.
The versatile midfielder has had a solid 2022 campaign, averaging 17.4 disposals, 4.3 marks and 3.1 inside 50's.
“Jack has shown across four years at the Club that he has the skillset and work rate to succeed at AFL level,” Hartley said.
“It has been great to see Jack contributing to a high standard this season and this contract is a reward for his efforts on and off the field.”
Rioli Jnr has been rewarded for his 2022 form with the new deal, playing 14 matches so far this year. The 19-year-old was drafted in 2020 as a father-son selection, playing two games in his debut year.
Having kicked 13 goals this season and leading the club in tackles per game inside 50, Rioli has become a damaging weapon up forward for the Tigers.
“Maurice has been terrific since coming into our program late in 2020, impressing everyone with how he goes about his football,” Hartley said.
“He is a great teammate that helps us to play the Richmond way and this contract extension is reward for his hard work behind the scenes.”
