Prized recruits Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper were impressive.

Gun midfielder Dion Prestia had the ball on a string.

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Co-captain Toby Nankervis was his customary robust self.

And Dusty did was Dusty does.

But the most pleasing aspect of Richmond’s practice match against North Melbourne at Arden Street last Friday, from my perspective, was the form of Tiger cubs Judson Clarke, Samson Ryan, Tom Brown and Seth Campbell.

Clarke, who played three senior games in his debut season of AFL football last year, showcased his pace, running ability, work ethic, composure and pinpoint disposal.

Playing the high half-forward role perfected by his mentor at Richmond, Kane Lambert, in three Tiger premierships, the lively left-footer created many opportunities for teammates and strongly pushed his case for selection in the season-opener against Carlton with that top-class display.

Ryan, who made his solitary senior appearance with the Tigers in 2021, looked dangerous playing deep forward in the absence of reigning Jack Dyer Medallist Tom Lynch.

The bulked-up, big man moved well, kicked two goals, and provided the team with a genuine key target in attack alongside veteran star Jack Riewoldt.

Brown, who spent his first year at Tigerland in 2022 playing VFL football, was proficient across the backline. He read the play well to intercept and then provided the team with some good rebound out of defence.

Campbell, taken by the Tigers in last year’s rookie draft, seemed really comfortable at the level, displaying the forward craft he was renowned for in Tasmanian football.

He ran hard to create space, was efficient with his ball use, and kicked a nice set-shot goal during the fourth period of the match to underline his finishing skills.

It’s going to be extremely enjoyable this season watching the progress of that quartet, along with the many other talented members of Tigerland’s department of youth.