Richmond great Matthew Richardson is sold on Sam Lalor.

‘Richo’ was looking forward to watching Lalor for the first time, in last Monday’s match simulation against West Coast, and the highly-touted young player, who the Tigers took with the first pick in last year's AFL national draft, didn’t disappoint.

Playing predominantly forward, the powerfully-built teenager kicked two goals, had a couple of other shots for goal, and appeared totally comfortable at the level.

“He just showed that he had forward craft for mine,” Richardson said on this week’s episode of the Talking Tigers podcast.

“Even that first mark that he took, West Coast got a lot of numbers back, and he found that pocket of space.

“That’s natural forward craft. Was a really good kick (for goal) . . .  nice action.

“I don’t care about anything else yesterday (Monday’s match simulation), other than I think I know already . . . I saw enough to go, okay, I’m pretty happy here. I feel safe in the knowledge we’ve got a ripper.”

Richardson also was taken with a Tiger at the other end of the ground in the trial against the Eagles – key defender Jacob Blight.

The 23-year-old, who was recruited by Richmond from WAFL club Peel Thunder at pick two overall in the 2024 AFL mid-season rookie draft, showed some promising signs across three senior games late in the season, and he’s hell-bent on establishing himself as a permanent member of the Tigers team this year.

“I thought Blight down back was outstanding,” Richardson said.

“He’s had a great pre-season. He won the 2km (trial).

“He’s hungry, I reckon. You can see it in the way he’s playing. Looks determined . .  . wants to be an AFL player.”