As Richmond’s VFL side prepares to battle the Brisbane Lions in the Elimination Final this Saturday at Brighton Homes Arena, it has been the versatility of the squad that has led them to the finals in 2025.

For a large part of the season, and particularly over the last few months, the VFL-listed players have had to shoulder majority of the load, stepping in to fill the void left by injured AFL players.

With key AFL-listed players like Samson Ryan, Campbell Gray, Kane McAuliffe, Mykelti Lefau, Tylar Young and Judson Clarke sitting out large parts of the season due to injury, plenty of young stars have emerged for the VFL Tigers.

The versatility of the players and the team’s depth was tested more than ever last Saturday in the Wildcard Round against GWS, dealt with multiple injury blows during the game.

Richmond lost inspirational captain Lachlan Street early to a dislocated ankle, tough defender Nicholas Guiney suffered a dislocated shoulder on the three-quarter time siren and Gray also left the game early.

03:33

VFL Wildcard: Post-Match

Hear from Jake Batchelor after the Tigers VFL Wildcard win over GWS.

That left the Tigers with very few rotations in the last quarter, but they fought hard in the final quarter, even extending their margin at stages, to eventually win by 18 points and book their place in this weekend’s Elimination Final.

After the game, coach Jake Batchelor said the team’s ability to adjust on the run was pleasing and it would help the team moving forward.

“We asked the players to put their hand up if they played a different position out of their standard position today, and I think about 80% put their hands up,” he said.

“That’s what you need with a team though, you can’t just get one position and think you are going to play there the whole year.”

14:53

VFL Wildcard: Match Highlights

Catch all the action from the VFL Tigers win over GWS.

He highlighted a few players who have shared their time across multiple positions this season, and how beneficial their roles are for the team.

“Joel Garner has played midfield, he’s played back, he’s played forward, Lachy Wilson has played forward, he’s played mid,” Batchelor said.

“Tom McKenzie had played backline the last couple of weeks, Nick Collier has just jumped in centre bounces.

“That is the sign of a good team, we’ve got a bit to catch up on and fast-track, but it is just awesome to know that we have got that up our sleeve if we need to pull the trigger.”

Saturday's do-do-die clash will take place at 12:05pm on Saturday.