In the eighth part of a richmondfc.com.au post-season special series, we take a look at three highly-promising, young Tigers yet to break into senior league ranks.
Jason Castagna
Castagna made significant progress throughout his first season at Tigerland, after being taken by the Club in the AFL’s rookie draft late last year.
He became a key member of Richmond’s VFL side due to the strong rebound he provided off the half-back line through his bold run-and-carry.
The 19-year-old won plenty of ball, too, averaging 22 disposals in the 11 games he played (an ankle injury sidelined him for several weeks). He had a season-high 34 touches in Round 18.
Only twice for the season did Castagna finish with less than 20 disposals. In one of those games, he didn’t make an appearance on the field until after half-time, but still had 13 touches.
Castagna also averaged five marks, 11 handball-receives, seven contested possessions, three tackles and four rebound-50s.
He was rewarded for his consistently impressive efforts with elevation to Richmond’s primary playing list late in the season.
Although Castagna didn’t manage to break into the senior side before season’s end, he clearly shapes as an exciting prospect for the Tigers next year.
Reece McKenzie
The powerfully-built, young key forward showed some extremely promising signs in his inaugural season with Richmond.
He became a valuable target in attack for the Tigers’ VFL team due to his marking strength and capacity to split packs, combined with impressive athleticism for a big player.
Although McKenzie kicked only 10 goals in the 15 games he played, he still managed to have an impact, mainly through his aerial ability.
The 37 contested marks he took for the season was the second most by a player in the competition. Nine of those contested grabs came in the final two games.
McKenzie also averaged 11 disposals and six contested possessions per game.
And, he showed his versatility, when he won 14 hit-outs playing in the ruck in Round 13.
Another big pre-season under his belt, and McKenzie should be well placed to take the next key step in his football development in 2016.
Jayden Short
Short, who was a Richmond rookie selection late last year, made a good impression at VFL level with some lively work in his small forward’s role.
He averaged 13 disposals per game in 10 appearances for Richmond’s VFL side, picking up a season-high 19 touches in Round 5.
The 19-year-old also averaged five handball-receives per game, five contested possessions, two marks, two tackles and three inside-50s.
Smart kicked three goals in an eye-catching effort against Williamstown in Round 11, but, unfortunately, suffered a season-ending injury the following week.
Overall, however, Short should be well pleased with what he produced during his first season with the Tigers.
With speed, endurance, creativity, defensive pressure and football ‘smarts’, Short has plenty going for him in his quest to make the grade at Richmond.
Recap the Tiger Top Threes so far:
2015 wins
Most improved players
Stats stars
Individual performances
Best team quarters
Young Guns
Players to watch next season
