Former AFL-listed player Sam Philp has joined Richmond’s VFL team, bringing his competitive edge to the side’s 2026 line-up.

Philp was previously on Carlton’s AFL list, drafted as a first-round pick in 2019. He went on to make his AFL debut in Round 4, 2020, against Essendon.

The recruit spent last season with Port Melbourne, dominating off half-forward and using his explosiveness to provide run as an inside midfielder.

Now, a Tigerland resident, Philp is looking forward to a fresh start at the Swinburne Centre.

“I went through a bit of a process upon finishing my season at Port Melbourne, and I just felt like I needed a bit of a fresh start,” Philp told Richmond Media.

“I reached out to Alex (Davey), who I had a connection with back at the Northern Knights when I was playing in the under-18s and from there, we had a couple of meetings, and there was some mutual interest, which was great.

“I have been a long-time Richmond supporter growing up, so it was a moment I was pretty happy to have.”

With pre-season ramping up for the VFL side, Philp is hopeful he can make an immediate impact by instilling some of his experience into the team’s younger players.

“I had four years at Carlton, and upon playing there, I could see how the aligned program works,” Philp said.

“I think bringing that experience but also being a bit more of a mature age (player) now, passing on that leadership and wisdom to the other guys, and just going from there.”

Philp has been described as a person of high character who can bring an exciting mix of speed, power and competitiveness to Richmond’s VFL program.

“Some of my biggest strengths as a player is my contested ball but also my speed and power to get away from inside to out,” Philp said.

“I think when I’m playing my best footy, that is what I bring.

“I was drafted as an inside midfielder, so that is still probably my main position, but I also think, after spending a bit of time at the Blues, I can play a range of positions.

“In this environment, as a part of an aligned Club, that is quite valuable, so I like to think that I’m quite versatile and can play a range of roles.”