Josh Smillie has provided the Tiger Army with a snapshot of what they can expect from him in his 2025 debut season of AFL football.
The highly-touted, powerfully-built, 195cm teenager, who was Richmond’s second pick (No. 7 overall) in the 2024 national draft, has competitiveness at the forefront of his mind each time he steps out on the field of battle.
He believes that key attribute will hold him in good stead from the outset of his AFL career.
“When I’m playing, I just want to be a fierce competitor and have a winning mentality, and just play my best footy every game,” Smillie said on SEN.
“I’m always working hard and try to be the best version of myself. So, at the end of the day, if I just keep doing that, I think I should be fine.
“I think just being myself will get me pretty far . . . working hard and getting to know all the people around me and putting my best foot forward. The rest will just take care of itself.”
Smillie also revealed that he was hoping to have his name read out by the Tigers on draft night.
“I met with 17 clubs, so was pretty lucky enough to see what every club had to offer, but had a little soft spot for Richmond . . . At the end of the day, I got what I wanted and couldn’t be happier,” he said.
