Tigers to get early look at young stars as prized top draft pick sets sights on prime time debut

Richmond No. 1 pick Sam Lalor is eyeing a prime time AFL debut against Carlton in Round 1 as the Tigers prepare to blood most of their bumper 2024 draft class next month.

Watch every match of the 2025 AAMI Community Series Live & ad-break free during play, exclusive to FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.

Lalor said Taj Hotton, who is recovering from an ACL injury suffered last year, was the only Richmond draftee who had not spent most of the new year in full training.

The Tigers are poised to take on a dramatic new look when they travel to Perth to face West Coast in their first practice match on February 17.

Lalor, fellow strong-bodied midfielder Josh Smillie, key forwards Jonty Faull and Harry Armstrong and defender Luke Trainor are all in the frame for selection against either the Eagles or Collingwood in the Charity Shield game at Ikon Park on February 26.

The fitness level of the draft crop is a welcome boost for last year’s wooden spooners, who have gaps to fill all over the ground after the departures of premiership players Shai Bolton, Daniel Rioli, Liam Baker and Jack Graham to other clubs and the retirements of Dustin Martin, Dylan Grimes and Marlion Pickett.

Another void to fill was created by Noah Balta’s club-imposed ban for the December 30 incident that led to him being charged with assault.

Balta’s absence for at least the first four weeks of the season could bring Trainor or another tall draftee straight into the senior side, as Josh Gibcus and Tylar Young continue to recover from ACL injuries suffered last year.

“Pretty much everyone (from the draft class) has been full training, except Taj (Hotton), who’s obviously done his ACL,” Lalor said.

“A couple of us have been in and out, but we’re all feeling pretty good. We’re working well together, and we’re just enjoying each other’s company.”

Lalor is living with defender Nathan Broad and his family after moving from Bacchus Marsh to Melbourne. He will find his own place in the coming weeks.

He said he was still grappling with the tactical side of the game but was finding the physical adjustment to senior football fairly smooth as he cautiously targeted a round 1 senior debut.

“I’m travelling pretty well at the moment. I’m just trying to get my head around the education side of things,” he said.

“Hopefully, I do get picked and put my hand up to play (the pre-season games).

“I think that would be a goal (to play round 1). It’s still obviously a while away and a lot of learning to come, but I think if I get my body right, and get my head around that education side, I’ll have a good chance.”

Lalor and AFLW No. 1 pick Ash Centra were among close to 200 first-year players (including 2024 mid-season recruits) at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday and Thursday for the league’s annual induction conference run by the AFL Players’ Association.

Players were taught about the sponsorship opportunities available to them, how to use social media safely and warned about the dangers of gambling.

“I think for young players coming into the competition, (the biggest challenge) is establishing themselves with their peers – the intensity that comes with being a professional athlete, the scrutiny, and also preparing them for the speculation that comes from the public,” the AFLPA’s Ben Smith said.

“I think we focus a lot on the opportunities around social media … also understanding how they can switch off from that.

“They’ve heard from peers, past players and current players about how they’ve navigated this space as well.”

— NCA NewsWire