Richmond has extended the contracts of ruckman Shaun Hampson and talented forward Sam Lloyd for a further two years each, keeping them at Tigerland until at least the end of 2018.
The pair have both experienced the best individual seasons of their AFL careers in 2016.
Lloyd has played every game this season, for an impressive return of 31 goals.
The 26-year-old is currently second on Richmond’s goalkicking tally behind star key forward Jack Riewoldt.
The Deniliquin-product was taken by the Tigers at pick 66 overall in the 2013 National Draft.
Before being drafted, he spent a season with VFL club Frankston in 2013, a year at Mt Eliza in the Mornington Peninsula Football League, and the 2010 and 2011 seasons playing for his original country club Deniliquin.
Lloyd’s standout moment this season was his goal after the siren against Sydney in Round 8, winning the match for Richmond by one-point and ending the team’s six-game losing streak.
Hampson has grabbed Richmond’s number one ruck position this year, playing 17 games so far – the most games he has played in a season over his 10-year league career.
Following a double ankle reconstruction in the pre-season, Hampson is averaging 33.6 hitouts per match in 2016.
The 28-year-old was recruited to Richmond at the end of the 2012 season after seven seasons at Carlton.
Richmond’s General Manager of Football, Dan Richardson said the pair deserved their contract extensions after their consistent form this season.
“While our overall season has been disappointing, we’ve been really pleased with the performances of both Sam and Shaun over the course of the season,” Richardson said.
“Sam has worked incredibly hard since the start of pre-season to improve his fitness and ensure he has an impact across four quarters, which has been noticeable in games.
“Shaun’s had his most consistent year since arriving at Richmond. His ruck work is continuously improving and we’ve seen him having more of an impact around the ground as well.
“We’re looking forward to both Sam and Shaun building on the progress they’ve made this season and taking their game to another level next season.”