Bigoa Nyuon and Noah Balta compete during a Richmond AFL training session at Punt Road Oval on December 6, 2021.

Richmond's defensive unit is looking forward to welcoming some fresh faces into the fold this year. 

Speaking to Richmond Media earlier this week, Nick Vlastuin said he was excited to see what recruit Robbie Tarrant, alongside the up-and-coming Tigers cubs, would bring to the table in 2022.

"Robbie...he's a very good player and he's very loud out on the field," Vlastuin said.

"It's pretty good to have him on your team, he's a big character, big voice, it's going to be very good for us.

"Daniel (Rioli's) been training really well and we've also got (Josh) Gibcus and (Tom) Browne...they're really solid as well, so I wouldn't be surprised if they're playing early this year."

02:13

'The next captain will be different but perfect at the same time' - Vlastuin

Nick Vlastuin provides an update on the playing group as they returned to training in 2022.

Also speaking to Richmond Media this week, Noah Balta predicted big things for yet-to-debut emerging tall Bigoa Nyuon

"He's been showing some talent for a while now, and I think this might be his year where he starts to build up a bit of momentum," Balta said.

"Tarrant will be awesome, and we've got a couple of young guns coming through."

02:40

'I feel like my family is slowly taking over Tigerland' - Balta

Noah Balta chats to Richmond Media after returning to training for season 2022.

Having both missed a number of games in 2021 through injury, Balta and Vlastuin are hungry for the season ahead. 

"The injury was pretty hard, just being my first (major) injury that I've had... It was a different experience, I took it as a growth opportunity to try and get better out of it and see how I'd come back, and I'm coming back in decent form," Balta said.

"It's been a while since I've played a game of footy but I'm looking forward to this year.

"I think with a little bit of experience this year, I should be able to take my game to the next level and really show that I'm worthy to be where I am."

Vlastuin said he was also hoping for a less interrupted season.

"Last year was a bit frustrating," he said.

"Hopefully this year is a bit more consistent and I can stay out on the track the whole year.

"The off-season looked a bit different this year finishing in August and having 15 weeks off...We've got a lot more miles in the legs this year."

With Richmond's 2022 captain yet to be appointed, Vlastuin said the Tigers were spoilt for choice for their next leader.

"There are plenty of options," he said.

"The next captain will be completely different but perfect at the same time.

"A lot of people lead by different ways...voice on the field, off the field. I'm not sure what we're going to look for but I'm sure they'll be great in their own way."