This time last year, Kaleb Smith had been placed on Richmond’s inactive list as he battled with a stress fracture to the navicular bone in his right foot.

Fast forward 12 months and the talented small defender is squarely in the frame to be the Tigers’ fifth AFL debutant of the 2024 season following his fine form at VFL level.

The 19-year-old, who was Richmond’s first pick (No. 49 overall) in the 2022 AFL national draft, made the trip to the Gabba on Saturday night as an emergency for the team’s Round 10 match against Brisbane.

He then returned to Melbourne to take his place in the Tigers’ VFL side for yesterday’s clash with Sandringham at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.

It was a horrible day for the VFL Tigers, going down by 110 points, but Smith excelled again, racking up a team-high 22 disposals, along with four marks and five tackles.

The Club’s VFL coach Steve Morris paid tribute to Smith during a post-match interview with Richmond Media.

“I’m really proud of Kaleb,” Morris said.

“I think supporters who watched today would have really enjoyed his run and creativity off half-back.

“I spoke to him during the week about the challenge that presents, flying up to Brisbane, being so close as an emergency . . .

“Obviously it doesn’t provide the greatest preparation to be able to perform. So, to be able to see him do so at such a high level today, I think was a real growth in him as a person and as a player as well.”