Richmond has completed its highly anticipated 2024 Telstra AFL Draft hand, with the addition of eight new Tigers and North Melbourne’s future first round pick.

GWV Rebels midfielder/forward Sam Lalor was the first selection of the opening night, adding match-winning ability across two lines to the Tigers’ personnel.

Lalor, the Tigers’ first No. 1 draft pick since Brett Deledio in 2004 will be joined by 195cm midfielder Josh Smillie at the Club, who the Tigers snapped up at selection No. 7.

Dynamic 182cm forward Taj Hotton, who lit up the Coates Talent League early in the season before rupturing his ACL, then made his way to the Club with selection No. 12.

Hotton’s rehab is progressing well, and he is expected to play in the second half of the 2025 season.

The Tigers then pounced on a trio of impressive key position prospects with Jonty Faull (pick 14), joining the Club along with Sandringham Dragons and All Australian pair Luke Trainor (21) and Harry Armstrong (23).

Faull who booted 27 goals across the Coates Talent League season impressed this year with his combativeness and ability to come up clutch in big moments, booting nine goals across the Rebels’ first two finals.

Armstrong kicked 60 majors across 19 games in 2024 and stands out with his long accurate kicking and strong hands.

Trainor is a key defender who also uses the ball excellently on offence. He averaged 19.8 disposals at 77 per cent across the National Championships and 2.4 intercept marks per game in the Coates Talent League.

Richmond finished the opening night by trading out selection No. 27 overall and a future second-round selection, for North Melbourne’s future first-round pick.

Thomas Sims arrived at Richmond with the opening pick of the second round (28 overall).

Sims is an impressive 199cm tall who booted five goals in the Northern Knights’ Coates Talent League season opener, and a bag of seven against Oakleigh in Round 6.

The Tigers then traded out their future fourth-round selection to Gold Coast to re-enter the Draft and claim exciting forward Jasper Alger with No. 58 overall.

The 17-year-old from Warragul had a strong year playing for Oakleigh Chargers, Vic Country and Caulfield Grammar, and across all competitions booted 48 goals from 17 games this season.

Richmond General Manager, Football Talent- Blair Hartley said he was pleased to bring in eight quality young prospects, as well as a future first round pick.

“We feel like we have been able to set ourselves up; both with these selections and for next year as well,” Hartley said.

“The players we have picked, all have the ability to play the game no doubt, but the focus for us next year is giving them the best chance to succeed long term.”

Richmond 2024 Telstra AFL Draft Summary

No. 1 - Sam Lalor (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)

No. 7 - Josh Smillie (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)

No. 12 - Taj Hotton (Sandringham Dragons)

No. 14 - Jonty Faull (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)

No. 21 - Luke Trainor (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)

No. 23 - Harry Armstrong (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)

No. 28 - Thomas Sims (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)

No. 58 - Jasper Alger (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Country)

IN: North Melbourne Future First Round Selection

OUT: Selection No. 27 overall, Future Second Round Selection, Future Fourth Round Selection