The VFL Tigers have returned to the track, commencing their 2019 campaign on Tuesday afternoon at Punt Road Oval.

Leading the way was 2018 VFL captain and former Richmond defender Steve Morris, who is set for his eighth year at Tigerland next year.

Fellow 2018 leadership group members Jacob Ballard, Hugh Beasley, Tom Silvestro and Jake Aarts were also in attendance, having recommitted to the side for the upcoming season.

Familiar faces at the first training session of the season also included young and exciting prospects Charlie Thompson, Nick Baltas, Bailey Lambert and Joel Cusack, who have all also re-signed.

With 15 players recommitted so far, the side has also retained all its coaching staff from 2018.

VFL coach Craig McRae said the team’s strong player and staff retention numbers were a testament to the culture and stability of the program.

“It’s really pleasing that guys want to stay around, because that’s integral to building a good culture,” McRae said.

“We’ve got a really good core of VFL players. They’ve just got such high standards and drive and they all look like they haven’t missed a beat.

“We’ve got a month of training before Christmas, which gives us an opportunity to improve players individually, which ultimately makes us better as a team.”

Fifteen new faces also graced the track, who will be vying for selection over the coming months.

McRae said he was pleased with their potential as Tigers.

“The young talent that we’ve asked to come out look really exciting,” McRae said.

Photos: Cameron Grimes