Exciting Richmond youngster Hugo Ralphsmith says he's growing in confidence with each game he plays. 

The 20-year-old Tiger has flourished in his new role as a dashing half-back flanker this season.

So much so, that he received a Rising Star nomination after a Round 17 performance which included a career-high 20 disposals, five score involvements and 430m gained whilst using the ball at 85 per cent efficiency.

"There are some pretty good players getting these (Rising Star) nominations so to put my name anywhere around them is really special," Ralphsmith said.

"I just want to play AFL footy and play good AFL footy."

Consistency has been key for the third-year Tiger, who has found himself playing regular senior football in 2022.

"Playing some consistent footy is something I really wanted to do for my first two years... So to get some this year, I've been really happy," he said.

The versatile Tiger, who was taken by Richmond with pick No. 46 in the NAB AFL Draft before making his debut in 2021, has slotted seamlessly into the team's backline this season.

"I'm really happy with playing down back and being with those boys down there. That's where I'm most comfortable so that's where I'm most confident as well," he said.

"I think I'm growing through learning of other people like Dylan Grimes and Nick Vlastuin and Nathan Broad, those boys are really helping me.

"But also just years in the system, getting another pre-season under my belt and playing with some really talented guys, it's been really special.

"They're the smartest guys I've ever played with down there in defence."

Now with 17 AFL games to his name, Ralphsmith said it was "pretty special" to be Richmond's first AFL Rising Star nominee since Shai Bolton in 2019.

"You see Shai (Bolton) in All-Australian form and Daniel Rioli in All-Australian form, so to get anywhere near where those boys started... If I can get half as good as them I'd be rapt," he said.

"My strengths are my run-and-carry, that's why I'm in the team... I want to develop my defence, my one-on-one defending and being as tough as I can, whoever I've playing on."

The Tiger cub is thrilled to be a part of the new wave of talent emerging within Richmond's list.

"The younger boys are great, we've got Jack Ross, Thomson Dow and those boys who are playing some good footy as well," Ralphsmith said.

"I love playing with them and hopefully we can sick around for a few years."