Hugo Ralphsmith is a significant success story of the first half of Adem Yze’s debut season as Richmond’s senior coach.
Yze has provided the hard-running Ralphsmith with the opportunity to play on a wing, and the 22-year-old has responded in fine fashion.
So far this season, Ralphsmith is averaging an AFL career-high 14.8 disposals, 4.8 contested possessions, 4.7 marks, 2.2 tackles, 2.2 inside-50s, 1.5 rebound-50s, 3.3 score involvements and 290.5 metres gained per match.
The faith shown in him by Yze seems to have given his confidence a decent boost.
He looks a much more composed player out on the field, while also showcasing his pace and running ability.
Ralphsmith again had an impact for the Tigers in last Saturday night’s Dreamtime at the ‘G’ blockbuster against Essendon, finishing the match with 17 disposals, four marks, four inside-50s, three clearances, one goal, three score involvements and 424 metres gained.
He also covered the most distance by any player on the ground over the course of the four quarters – 16.7 kilometres.
