Don’t stop chasing your dreams…because one day they can become a reality.
These words now ring true for 19-year-old Patrick Retschko, who became a Tiger in the dying stages of this year’s trade period.
Richmond traded its 99th pick to Geelong in exchange for Retschko, before the delisted free agency window opened, making him the newest Tiger Cub.
Having grown up a lifelong Tigers supporter, Retschko admitted he was in shock when the trade went through.
“It was surreal. Being a childhood Richmond fan, I couldn’t really believe it,” Retschko told Richmond Media.
“It has been a really long week coming off the list from Geelong, which was super disappointing, but they were huge in being able to facilitate a trade.
“Blair (Hartley) gave me the call (Wednesday) night, and I kind of went into shock, and I had a few friends and family around, and it was really cool to have a close community feel.
“Even wearing the polo now, I can’t even believe it, standing in Punt Road.”
Retschko possesses elite endurance, having grown up as a track athlete, allowing him to impact contests from the wing and half-back positions.
He had an impressive 2025 campaign with Geelong’s VFL side, where he amassed 21.5 disposals across 18 games, seeing him finish fifth in their best and fairest count.
The Oakleigh Chargers product is looking forward to bringing his two-way running abilities to Punt Road.
“I think at Geelong, I was really able to develop a sense of understanding of the system, and that is something you can only really understand after a year of being in the system, so Geelong were huge in preaching the importance of that,” Retschko said.
“I feel like my run-and-carry and endurance is a huge part of my game, it just allows me to get to contest to contest and give myself as much opportunity to support my teammates.”
Officially in the Richmond fold, Retschko will reunite with former Vic Metro teammates Josh Smillie, Luke Trainor, Harry Armstrong and Tom Sims, as well as Caulfield Grammar schoolmate, and close friend, Jasper Alger.
The prospect of joining that talented group of youngsters excites the new Tiger recruit.
“I’m super excited. There was almost a sense of jealousy looking at the draft pool from last year, seeing them all get drafted together,” Retschko admitted.
“Knowing they were going to have an elite first year together and have such a good opportunity, so to be joining them and to know them all pretty well is super cool, and to know that I can come in and just be myself.”
Retschko is also looking forward to working with fellow wingman, Hugo Ralphsmith, and two-time premiership player, Tom Lynch.
“I love the way Hugo Ralphsmith plays on the wing, so I’ll try and learn as much as I can off of him,” Retschko said.
“Being a huge Richmond fan, I love Tom Lynch and the way he goes about it, marking the ball, and there were a few games where I remember thinking, just wow, he is a good player.
“I’m super excited to kick the ball to him a few times.”
Retschko will return with the playing group next month to begin pre-season training in preparation for the 2026 campaign.
The goal of earning the jumper in pursuit of running out on the MCG in front of the Tiger Army is at the forefront of the 19-year-old's mind as he embarks on his first season at the Swinburne Centre.
“I cannot wait,” Retschko said.
“I know there will be kids like me when I was young, screaming and just that feeling of knowing that people rock up past Punt Road and the special community that Richmond has, it’s something that I won’t take for granted for sure, so I’m pumped if I get the opportunity to play my first game.”
