YOUNG players have been gradually emerging from unbroken pathways and hitting the AFLW hard in recent seasons. They are a resilient bunch, joining the competition during a particularly tumultuous time - thanks COVID - but are still changing the face of AFLW. 

So, who at Richmond was born in 2001 or later and is forming part of this changing of the guard?  

Hit the ground running 

The pressure of being a No.1 draft pick didn't faze Ellie McKenzie, who made the All-Australian squad in her debut season and has twice been a Mark of the Year finalist.  

As a tall, strong midfielder, McKenzie immediately offered a point of difference to Richmond's midfield, able to win the hard ball but then transition to the outside and propel the ball forward. Her aerial prowess is tough to contain, but above all, her confidence to take on opponents and run and carry allows her to break lines and move through congestion with ease. '

Long-term prospect 

Stella Reid is the young forward Richmond has been working with to take the club into its next era. With Courtney Wakefield now retired, and Katie Brennan closer to the end than the start of her career, the skill and intelligence of Reid offers plenty of potential. 

A top-five draft pick ahead of season six, Reid struggled to hold her place in the side during her debut season, but in Richmond's recent surge toward finals she found consistency, playing every game after round seven. She kicked five goals for the season and offered up plenty of forward pressure and will only continue to improve from there. 

Surprise packet 

As an agile small forward, Emelia Yassir added immense ground level pressure and quick thinking to Richmond's attack. She was the Tigers' second selection at the 2021 draft and has played 19 games across 2022 - including both seasons six and seven. 

Throughout season seven, Yassir averaged two score involvements, 4.2 tackles and 1.1 inside 50s, while kicking four of her own goals and becoming a fan favourite in the process.