New Tiger Hugo Ralphsmith may be joining a star-studded list of premiership players, but he is most excited about teaming up with one of his fellow draftees on the football field.

When asked which Tiger he was looking forward to playing alongside, the 18-year-old said he was thrilled at the prospect of joining forces with Bigoa Nyuon.

“I’m really excited to play with ‘Biggie’ as I’ve played against him a little bit,” he said.

Ralphsmith, Richmond’s fourth pick (No. 46 overall) in the 2019 national draft, grew up competing in athletics before deciding to focus on football.

The midfielder/forward retained his impressive athleticism, displaying his speed and aerobic capacity in the NAB League for the Sandringham Dragons this year.

His produced an impressive final against the Calder Cannons, where he was damaging with three first-quarter goals to go with 19 possessions and eight marks.

“In finals series, the standard steps up another level,” he said.

“Playing some decent football there has really helped me and I think taking confidence from that will send me into the pre-season and going forward.”

Likened to triple premiership Hawk Isaac Smith, the sky is the limit for Ralphsmith, who has significant scope.

The son of former Hawthorn and St Kilda player Sean, Ralphsmith said the influence of his dad in shaping his career has been invaluable.

“Dad was a coach of mine growing up for six or eight years, which was really helpful,” he said.

“He knows all about the AFL lifestyle and growing up and being under that pressure, so he helped me with a lot of little things.

“I don’t think too many words were spoken (on draft night), it was a couple of tears and a lot of pride and joy coming from him.”

Eager to tackle the pre-season, Ralphsmith described his introduction to Tigerland as "a surreal experience".

“I can’t really put it into words, I think I’m the happiest man in the world at the moment," he said.