It hasn't taken long for Richmond's four draftees to make an instant impact at the Swinburne Centre, with one youngster in particular impressing small forward Maurice Rioli.
"I really like Sam Grlj, he's pretty quick. He's a competitor and he hates losing. That side of him [is impressive]," Rioli told Channel Seven.
The Tigers selected Grlj with the eighth pick in the draft, helping them address a need for speed, alongside fellow draftees Sam Cumming, Zane Peucker and Noah Roberts-Thomson, and recruit Patrick Retschko.
With Richmond's young group galvanised and already hitting their straps as pre-season kicks off for the new year, Rioli understands the importance of laying a strong foundation before the Round 1 blockbuster against Carlton.
"Connection [is vital], because we're a very young group. We just want to get to know each other well," Rioli said.
"We all want to play footy together and be on the same page going forward."
On a personal note, the 23-year-old is working hard on his agility and aerobic fitness, which became a key feature of his performances last season.
"I was training with one of my mates nearly every day [during the break], which kept me fit. I feel better for it," Rioli said.
