Richmond VFL has confirmed its playing list ahead of the 2024 Smithy’s VFL Premiership Season.

The 31-man squad includes 17 new faces, including Richmond Next Generation Academy Graduate Pala Kuma, and Bachar Houli Academy Graduate Luke Haddara.

Richmond’s VFL side will feature no train-on players in 2024.

The playing squad features a plethora of exciting young talent led by skipper Lachlan Street entering his sixth season at the club, as well as experienced vice-captains Joel Garner, Chad Harris and Mutaz El Nour. 

See the 2024 Richmond VFL Squad

51. Austin JOHNSON

26-Dec-2001 (22 years old), 3rd year in program, wing/half-back, 182cm

Local club - Cheltenham (Southern FNL)

Austin enjoyed his most consistent year at VFL level in 2023, playing 17 games and cementing himself in our senior core of VFL players. Strong runner, excellent user of the ball and has great competitiveness and versatility.

52. Mohammed YASSINE

29-Aug-2003 (20 years old), 3rd year in program, half forward/wing, 177cm

Local club - Pascoe Vale (Essendon District FL)

A true success story of both our Bachar Houli Academy and our train-on player initiative. Progressed from train-on to one of our hardest working players and cemented his spot in the team, all in the space of two years. High level speed, run, clean hands and goal sense.

53. Joel GARNER

21-May-1999 (24 years old), 1st year in program, half-back/inside mid/half forward, 184cm

Local club - Wandin (Outer East FL)

We are in the incredibly fortunate position to add Joel to our VFL list while he works as our Indigenous Player Development Manager in the AFL program. Has a wealth of playing experience at AFL level with Port Adelaide and VFL level with Footscray, as well as excellent leadership skills and high character.

54. Chad HARRIS

02-Aug-1998 (25 years old), 2nd year in program, half back/wing, 180cm

Local club - Sorrento (Mornington Peninsula Nepean FL)

Chad Harris is coming home. He burst onto the scene with an impressive debut year in 2019 with Richmond VFL, but after COVID forced the cancellation of VFL in 2020 he decided to move to WA and ply his trade in the WAFL for two years with Subiaco. 43 games and a WAFL premiership later, he returned to Melbourne and played local football back at Sorrento and has pleasingly rejoined our program for 2024. Tough as nails, terrific character and an excellent utility.

55. Lachlan STREET

25-Jun-1998 (25 years old), 6th year in program, inside mid/half forward/half back, 191cm

Local club - Frankston YCW (Mornington Peninsula Nepean FL)

The skipper enjoyed a career best season in 2023, playing 18 games predominantly through the midfield. Leads the program with incredible passion and enjoyment. Big bodied ball winner, super clean hands and will play wherever the team needs.

56. Harrison WHITE

10-Jan-2002 (21 years old), 2nd year in program, half forward/wing, 176cm

Local club - Werribee Districts (Western Region FL)

Played 7 games in 2023 after crossing from Werribee and impressed with his skill, run and professionalism before persistent shoulder troubles disrupted his season. Part of an exciting new wave of Richmond VFL players.

57. Mutaz EL NOUR

14-Aug-2001 (22 years old), 2nd year in program, hybrid defender, 192cm

Local club - Deer Park (Essendon District FL)

Couldn’t have been more impressive in his debut year at Richmond VFL after crossing from Northern Bullants. Often took the opposition’s best forward and was rarely beaten even when playing above his weight division. Super competitiveness, spoiling and reading of the play.

58. Cameron OLDEN

14-Apr-2000 (23 years old), 4th year in program, inside mid/half forward, 179cm

Local club - Leongatha (Gippsland FL)

Had a career best year in his 3rd year at Richmond VFL, playing 14 games and impressing with his toughness around the ball and contest winning ability up forward and through the midfield. Excelled in run-with roles on the oppositions best midfielder.

59. Nicholas GIROLAMI

23-Jul-2002 (21 years old), 1st year in program, hybrid defender, 191cm

Local club - Mt Eliza (Mornington Peninsula Nepean FL)

Hybrid defender from Mt Eliza that made the 2023 Division 1 Team of the Year in the MPNFL in his first year of senior football. Everything is starting to click for him to have a crack at a higher level and with his excellent aerial power, competitiveness and kicking it should be seamless transition.

60. Sam FRANGALAS

20-Apr-2005 (18 years old), 1st year in program, half forward/inside mid, 187cm

Local club - Berwick (Eastern FNL)

Big bodied midfielder/forward from the Dandenong Stingrays. Son of Gary Frangalas who played 68 games for the Tigers and Swans. Is a strong contest player that can impact with his power, speed and aggression.

61. Tom BRINDLEY

8-Dec-1998 (25 years old), 3rd year in program, key forward/ruck/key defender/wing, 195cm

Local club - Greensborough (Northern FNL)

Played 15 games in his second season and quickly became one of our most reliable and important players given his athleticism and versatility. Can run, jump, is an excellent contested mark and can quite literally play anywhere.

62. Nicholas GUINEY

18-Jan-2002 (21 years old), 3rd year in program, half back/inside mid/wing, 187cm

Local club - Old Xaverians (VAFA)

Will be like an exciting new recruit in 2024 after last season was wiped out with a debilitating foot injury. Was super impressive in his debut year in 2022 as a tough and athletic defender that can run through the midfield.

63. Tom BOWER

20-Aug-2004 (19 years old), 2nd year in program, half forward/wing/half back, 181cm

Local club - Noble Park (Eastern FNL)

Son of Nathan (74 games). Was very impressive as a train-on player in 2023, playing consistent football for Noble Park and Oakleigh Chargers. Primed for a big 2024 and will excite with his dynamic athleticism and competitiveness.

64. Jed FENELEY

17-Jan-2002 (21 years old), 1st year in program, hybrid defender, 189cm

Local club - Old Xaverians (VAFA)

After a year wiped out with a broken leg, Jed put together a really consistent year of football in 2023 for Old Xaverians in the VAFA playing as a defender often against much bigger opponents. Was able to excel at this given his excellent athleticism, aerial power and foot skill. Is ready to take the next step at state level.

65. Joel NATHAN

12-Oct-2000 (23 years old), 4th year in program, key defender/forward, 191cm

Local club - North Ringwood (Eastern FNL)

One of the great clubmen of Richmond VFL returns for a 4th season in the program. Played 9 games in 2023 as a reliable, tough and athletic competitor down back and up forward.

66. Luke TEAL

2-May-2004 (19 years old), 2nd year in program, hybrid defender, 188cm

Mixed his time between Oakleigh Chargers and Richmond last season, taking to VFL football with aplomb as an athletic and competitive defender. Still only 19 and has a bright future at Richmond VFL.

67. Liam GEORGE

5-Oct-2005 (18 years old), 1st year in program, half forward/wing/inside mid, 182cm

Local club - Mooroolbark (Eastern FNL)

Half forward/midfielder from Haileybury College and Eastern Ranges. Made Grand Finals in both sides last season, winning one with the former and losing with the latter. Is a very smart and creative player that makes good decisions, hits the scoreboard and involves others.

68. Ry CANTWELL

16-Aug-2005 (18 years old), 1st year in program, wing/half forward/half back, 186cm

Local club - Eastern Ranges (Coates Talent League) / Mooroolbark (Eastern FNL)

Rangy and super athletic wing/half forward from the Eastern Ranges. Injury curtailed the start of his season but when fit and firing he impressed with high leap, contested marking and ability to hit the scoreboard. Will mix his time next season with Richmond VFL and the Eastern Ranges as a 19 year old.

69. Harry BRODERICK

6-Dec-2004 (19 years old), 2nd year in program, half back/inside mid, 180cm

Local club - University Blacks (VAFA)

Son of Paul (169 games). Managed 4 games of VFL football in his debut year while completing his year 12 studies at Marcellin College, an impressive feat in itself. Super tough player with very good kicking skills. Will grow further in 2024.

70. William BRAVO

6-May-2002 (21 years old), 3rd year in program, half forward/inside mid, 183cm

Local club - Mt Eliza (Mornington Peninsula Nepean FL)

Enjoyed a more consistent year in 2023 after injury troubles the year prior, playing 6 games of VFL football through the midfield and across half forward. A powerful player that hunts the opposition and wins contests.

71. Archie MAY

27-Aug-2004 (19 years old), 2nd year in program, key forward/ruck, 197cm

Local club - Old Brighton (VAFA)

It was a remarkable rise for Archie in 2023, earning a contract with Richmond VFL after half a season of school football for Brighton Grammar the year prior. Then went on to play 3 games and mixed his time with Sandringham Dragons. Big and strong with terrific hands and a booming kick, and still only 19.

72. Liam THOMAS

16-Jul-2003 (20 years old), 1st year in program, key forward/ruck, 198cm

Local club - Old Camberwell (VAFA)

Key forward that played a significant role in Old Camberwell’s successful 2023 season and subsequent promotion to Premier B in the VAFA. Still raw but with significant upside, Liam is a great size, a strong contested mark and excellent reader of the ball in flight.

73. Sam DAVIDSON

13-Dec-2001 (22 years old), 1st year in program, hybrid forward/wing, 190cm

Local club - St Kevins Old Boys (VAFA)

Originally from Melbourne and a St Kevins College alumni but has spent the past few years on medical placement in Gippsland as part of his studies. Has been playing for Maffra in the GFL during this time and impressing with his size, run, clean hands and versatility. Due to return to Melbourne in 2024 for work and to try his hand at VFL football. Is an elite runner with an excellent work rate.

74. Harry SCOTT

24-Jan-2005 (18 years old), 1st year in program, inside mid, 186cm

Local club - Old Scotch (VAFA)

Son of Allister (19 games). Big bodied inside mid from the Gippsland Power that graduated from Scotch College last year. Wins his own football, has great composure and is an excellent distributer by hand.

76. Tom McCARTHY

12-Jul-2000 (23 years old), 1st year in program, inside mid/wing/half forward, 189cm

Local club - Highett (Western Region FL)

Late developer and former cricketer that has never been through the elite pathway but has been playing exciting football for Old Mentonians and more recently Highett. Is a nice rangy size with good skills and terrific balance with ball in hand.

77. Matthew CLARKSON

11-Sep-2004 (19 years old), 2nd year in program, half back/half forward, 170cm

Local club - Caulfield Grammarians (VAFA)

Played 3 games in 2023 after graduating from the Sandringham Dragons and impressed with his football smarts, composure and ball use. High level character who naturally finds the football. Expect him to build on that in 2024.

78. Pala KUMA

1-Oct-2005 (18 years old), 1st year in program, half back, 183cm

Local club - Eaglehawk (Bendigo FNL)

A highly athletic and strongly built defender from our Next Generation Academy, of Tongan descent. Pala trained with us at stages throughout last year and impressed with his speed, power and physicality, all of which were on display during his time at Bendigo Pioneers.

79. Joshua POLLOCKS

10-Dec-2002 (21 years old), 1st year in program, hybrid defender/medium forward, 187cm

Local club - Balwyn (Eastern FNL)

Has put together an impressive couple of seasons at senior level for Balwyn in the EFNL, playing as a forward and more recently in defence and excelling at both. Is a smart reader of the play, a great contested mark and user of the ball.

80. Lukmain HADDARA

18-Mar-2004 (19 years old), 2nd year in program, half back, 187cm

Local club - Point Cook Centrals (Western Region FL)

Another one to impress as a train on in 2023, playing consistent football for Point Cook Centrals as a rebounding half back with a lethal left foot. With a season of VFL training now under his belt, expect him to take another step forward in 2024.

81. Nicholas COLLIER

29-Apr-2004 (19 years old), 1st year in program, midfielder/half back, 176cm

Local club - Dromana (Mornington Peninsula Nepean FL)

Competitive mid/half back that excelled in his first year of senior footy in 2023, culminating in a premiership win with Dromana in the MPNFL. Played roles wherever the team required and impacted in each. Represented the Dandenong Stingrays last year.

82. Lachlan WILSON

22-Oct-1998 (25 years old), 1st year in program, inside mid/half forward, 172cm

Local club - Heidelberg (Northern FNL)

Zippy and smart midfielder with clean hands that has just won his second NFNL D1 league best and fairest and third premiership with Heidelberg. Is hungry for a crack at VFL and to take his already impressive football resume even further.