Richmond has high hopes young tall forward Liam McBean can build on the solid gains he made throughout this year.

McBean made his senior debut with the Tigers in 2015, which was his third season at the Club, and showed some encouraging signs in two AFL appearances (Round 7 v Collingwood and Round 9 v Essendon).

He also was the equal-leading goalkicker in the VFL competition for the season with 42 goals.

That took his overall goal tally to 116 in 45 games of VFL football, since being picked up by Richmond with its third selection (No. 33 overall) in the 2012 National Draft.

“We always knew Liam would be a long-term project,” Richmond’s General Manager of Football Dan Richardson told SEN.

“He obviously came into AFL footy lightly framed, and he still is . . . he’s still developing. 

“We always thought he’d be a four-five-year project, to be honest. 

“Three years in, he’s led the goalkicking in the VFL . . .

“He’s certainly got some terrific talent and terrific upside, and we believe in that. 

“We’ve got some depth in key-position areas, both defence and forward, which is a nice position to be in, of course. 

“So, that makes it difficult for those guys to break their way into the side.  But I don’t think there’s anything wrong with players having to earn their positions. 

“As we know, there are no guarantees in footy, but I’m sure Liam will work hard over summer to continue his development and certainly push for senior selection more regularly.”