A pair of former mid-season draftees, James Trezise and Jacob Blight, have signed on at Richmond for the 2025 season.
Youngster Kaleb Smith, who returned to the field this year after missing all of his debut 2023 season through injury, also remains contracted for 2025, having previously put pen to paper on an extension.
Trezise was elevated to Richmond’s AFL list from the VFL program in May last year and made his AFL debut in the final round.
The 21-year-old added seven senior matches this season, averaging 13.7 disposals, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.9 marks per game.
Blight, 22, made an impressive start to his AFL career after being recruited to the Club from Peel Thunder with the second pick in May’s Mid-Season Rookie Draft.
The key defender broke through for his AFL debut within a month and added two more games at senior level before the end of the season.
Blight, who showed strong signs across his AFL showings, also proved to be a dominant player at state league level, averaging 19 disposals and seven marks in eight games.
The 196cm powerful athlete showed his best in the Round 20 game against Sandringham with a massive 32 disposals, 13 marks, and 13 rebound 50s.
Smith, the Tigers’ first selection, No. 49 overall, at the 2022 AFL National Draft played four games at AFL level this season while also banking 15 state league games.
The 19-year-old who was substitute in two of his AFL appearances, averaged 10.5 disposals and booted a goal in the other two.
Smith was arguably Richmond’s best player in the recent VFL Wildcard Finals Round loss to Williamstown, having 24 disposals.
Richmond General Manager, Football Talent- Blair Hartley said the Club looked forward to seeing what the trio could achieve in 2025, having all taken steps forward this season.
“Having started the season in the WAFL, Jacob was very soon after playing on some of the competition’s best forwards at the MCG, and he did not look out of place,” Hartley added.
“He showed some exciting traits and will benefit from his first pre-season with us this summer, working closely with his new teammates and coaches.
“James showed that he is a player who can contribute at AFL level, and he should take great confidence from the run of games he was able to play after his injuries earlier in the season.
“As a young player, he showed great temperament and AFL traits when called upon this year, and he too will benefit greatly from another pre-season.
“Kaleb adds a lot with his speed, kicking, and versatility, so it was great to see him play some football after what would have been a frustrating year on the sidelines for him in 2023.
“His attitude has remained first-class, and he has now been able to get some continuity into his body, which will hold him in great stead.
“Having had a taste of AFL footy, it is exciting to see Kaleb, as well as the other two boys, well placed for a strong year in 2025.”
