Emerging Richmond trio Tyler Sonsie, Noah Cumberland and Ben Miller have committed their futures to Richmond, penning two-year extensions to remain at the Club.
Cumberland, 21, has been one of the liveliest forwards in the competition since breaking into Richmond’s team as an activated medical substitute during the Round 17 clash against Gold Coast.
The Queensland product booted 2.3 against the Suns before backing it up with 3.4 the following week against North Melbourne and a memorable five goals against Brisbane in his first game at the MCG in Round 20.
Richmond General Manager- Football Talent, Blair Hartley, said it had been great to see Cumberland’s hard work off-field translate into on-field performance.
“Noah has had to work through some adversity early in his career after suffering an ACL injury in his first year.
“He has worked hard on all aspects of his game and we are excited about his continual growth across the next two years and beyond.”
The third-year forward has 13 goals from his first five senior appearances at the Club, the best return to start a Tigers career since Tom Lynch in 2019.
Similarly, fifth-year Tiger Ben Miller has fought his way into the senior team after spending significant portions of the past two seasons without competitive football.
Miller, 22, was selected by Richmond with pick No. 63 overall at the 2017 AFL Draft, spending four years on the list before making his debut in Round 23 last season.
The 198cm utility has added eight senior matches in 2022, including the past five- playing mainly as a defender while also chopping out in the ruck.
“Ben has been with us for five years and put in a lot of hard work in that time,” Hartley said.
“He has shown he can play a variety of roles- down back, in the ruck and he has spent some time forward as well.
“This extension is a great reward for his effort and we look forward to that continuing.”
Sonsie’s two-year extension will see him remain at the Club until at least the end of the 2025 season, adding to his existing contract for 2023.
The pick No. 28 overall in last year’s draft has made a terrific start to his AFL career, averaging 17.5 disposals at an excellent efficiency of 75% and five score involvements across his four senior games.
The 19-year-old, who has also played 13 matches at VFL level this season, has showcased all the traits that made him a highly touted junior talent.
“Tyler came to us after only playing seven games in the past two years due to Covid,” Hartley said.
“He had a slower start with pre-season but has worked hard on his game in VFL and now we are starting to see the rewards at AFL level.
“It is a credit to Tyler and his approach how far he has come.”
Sonsie joins senior Tigers Tom Lynch, Nick Vlastuin, and Jayden Short in being contracted to 2025 or beyond in an excellent show of faith for the youngster.
Hartley added that the trio of signing were important acquisitions for the Club’s future.
“Each of these players have shown great attitude, effort, and application to improving their game since arriving at the Club and these contracts are a reward for that.
“We are thrilled to have these boys commit to the Club.”
