WHICH of Richmond young players are primed to take the next step? Who needs a big pre-season?

afl.com.au's Nathan Schmook takes a comprehensive look at our players from the 2014 draft and later, assessing their early pre-season form, picking those set for a big 2018 and identifying those in need of a big summer.

Producing six premiership players from their first-to-fourth-year group is a ringing endorsement of the Tigers' recruiting. It's a group that has the club's list in a strong position, with eight players entering their fourth season in 2018, five their third season, and four going into their second year. There is leadership potential in Jack Graham, a mature-age gem in Kane Lambert, and an exciting group of small forwards coming through together in Daniel Rioli, Dan Butler, Shai Bolton, Tyson Stengle and Jason Castagna. The Tigers will be keen to add key position talent to their young stocks soon, with 193cm rookie forward Callum Moore and 192cm defender Ryan Garthwaite alone among the group. Ivan Soldo is the only developing ruckman. 

On the list: 17

AFL experience: Kane Lambert (52 games), Daniel Rioli (43), Jayden Short (32), Jason Castagna (30), Connor Menadue (28), Dan Butler (23), Corey Ellis (23), Oleg Markov (15), Nathan Broad (12), Ivan Soldo (7), Shai Bolton (6), Nathan Drummond (5), Jack Graham (5), Callum Moore (2), Tyson Stengle (2), Mabior Chol (1), Ryan Garthwaite (0) 

The standout: Daniel Rioli
One to watch: Jack Graham

Daniel Rioli is already a premiership player with the Tigers. Picture: AFL Photos