Richmond defender Sam Banks took his game to a new level in 2025, but the 22-year-old admits he wants to go to the next level in the pre-season.

With five wins under the belt and evident growth from the 43-gamer in his new half-back role this season, Banks knows the roots are planted for success to blossom in the coming seasons.

"We got on the end of a few wins, and were within a kick in a couple, which was good. Hopefully we can keep growing on that into our pre-season and into next year," Banks told Richmond Media.

"It was nice going to half-back. I feel comfortable back there, and I feel I grew each week into the role.

"It's now about not being content with that and going into pre-season wanting to keep getting better."

Banks took a chance, under the guidance of senior coach Adem Yze, to step into an important running half-back role, where he remained for the majority of the year.

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It was one that paid off, as the Tasmanian-native cemented a spot in the lineup, where, for the first time since his debut season in 2023, he felt like he truly belonged.

"Yze has been awesome for the group. His ability to bring us all together and build connections with each and every player is amazing," Banks said.

"Full credit to what he's done this year."

And while Banks was holding his own in an important role, he also became a leader for the nine debutants this season.

"They've been a massive spark for the team. They fit into the footy Club seamlessly, and the growth they've shown from day one until the end of the year is unreal," he said.

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In the midst of the victories, there were some reality checks and viable lessons, which Banks aimed to guide the teenage draftees through, in the hope of making them more resilient.

"We had a couple of tough losses there, so it was about not letting that one week kill the rest of the year for us. So, put it behind us and move on to the next one, and not dwelling on a big loss," Banks said.

"Moving on to the next week and challenging whoever we were playing was a big focus. As a young group, it could have been pretty easy to fold over after a couple of bad losses, but to come out and have strong wins was good.

"The win against Essendon was a bit ugly, but obviously something really good for those boys, learning how to win in those sort of games and going across to WA to have a good win away from home."