Richmond VFL has confirmed 10 changes to its playing list following the conclusion of its 2024 Smithy’s VFL season.
Tom Brindley, Chad Harris, Cam Olden and Joel Nathan will all step away from VFL in 2025, while Archie May will ply his trade in the WAFL for Subiaco next year.
Brindley received the 2024 Guinane Medal as the VFL’s Best & Fairest as part of a three-way tie with Sam Davidson and Lachlan Wilson at Melbourne’s Crown Palladium.
The 25-year-old has been both reliable and versatile throughout his three seasons at Tigerland, featuring predominately in defence, as well as in the ruck and as a winger.
This season, Brindley played in 18 of the Tigers’ 19 games, averaging 14.1 disposals, 4.4 marks, 2.2 tackles and 4.6 hit-outs.
The 2024 Guinane Medallist enjoyed a standout performance in the Tigers’ 61-point win over the Bombers in Round 9 at the MCG this year, collecting a career-high 24 disposals, 10 marks, 10 hit-outs and two tackles.
Harris departs Richmond VFL after playing 15 games in his second season at the club.
Upon returning from a two-year stint with Subiaco in the WAFL – which included 43 games and a premiership – the 26-year-old was handed vice-captain duties alongside Joel Garner and Mutaz El Nour.
After an ACL injury in Round 7 saw skipper Lachlan Street sidelined for the remainder of the 2024 season, both Harris and Garner stood in to take on co-captaincy.
Harris averaged 19.2 disposals, 5.9 marks and 2.7 tackles from half-back this season and collected 25 disposals or more on four occasions.
Following Harris’ footsteps, May will now head West to join Subiaco.
The 197cm key forward enjoyed a breakout year at VFL level for the Tigers this year, kicking 20.16 to finish second in the side’s goal-kicking ranks behind Davidson.
The 20-year-old kicked multiple goals on seven occasions this season, including in Round 9 against the Bombers at the MCG where he booted four goals from his 17 disposals.
Olden played 43 games across four seasons for Richmond VFL.
Tough when playing in the midfield and damaging in the forward half, Olden enjoyed a stand-out third season at VFL level in 2023, averaging 15.7 disposals and booting 12 goals from 14 games.
Among his many strong performances, Olden’s 24 disposals, four marks, five tackles and two goals in Richmond's 32-point win over Sandringham in Round 13, 2023 stands out as one of his finest.
Like Olden, Nathan played in four seasons for Richmond VFL.
Reliable, tough and athletic, the 23-year-old has been serviceable for the Tigers both in defence and up forward.
Nathan’s best performance came in Round 13 of 2021, where he collected 20 disposals and eight marks in the Tigers’ five-point loss to Collingwood.
Additionally, Harrison White, Harry Broderick, Luke Haddara, Tom Bower and Matthew Clarkson have not been offered contracts for the 2025 VFL Season.
Richmond VFL List and Operations Manager Oliver Grant recognised the contributions of the 10 departing players.
“The contribution of these players to our VFL program is immeasurable. It is never easy seeing people depart Richmond VFL, but they can be incredibly proud of the way they represented themselves and the club,” Grant said.
“They are terrific footballers, but most importantly terrific people and we wish them all the best for the future.”
