In the lead-up to the 2026 AFL season, Richmond Media will assess how each positional group is tracking in the pre-season. Today, we focus on the backline with Assistant Coach, Backs/Defence, Jake Batchelor.

With practice matches against Essendon and Melbourne less than a month away, Batchelor, who stepped into his new role at the end of last season, has been busily working with a mix of experienced Tigers and eager youngsters in the backline.

"We have had a strong progression from late November to late January," Batchelor said.

"Now, with competitive stakes ramping up and opposition soon to come into the fray, we feel we are in a great spot to attack whatever comes our way."

It's hard not to be excited as games loom large, with Batchelor leaning on premiership defenders Nathan Broad, Nick Vlastuin, Jayden Short and Noah Balta, as well as an ever-improving Ben Miller, to lead by example.

But Batchelor has been equally impressed with the willingness to learn from those veterans, and try new tactics this pre-season in order to support Adem Yze's game plan.

"The defenders have been a consistent line over the last few years due to our experience, however they have shown a great openness to learn more about the game, learn more about themselves within our system and expecting the finer details to be done to the best of their ability," Batchelor said.

"It’s been fantastic to get back to the Club and reignite some past relationships. Having those senior players who know what it takes to not only win, but also what fundamentals and commitments are required, is so important with some of our younger defenders coming through the ranks and preparing for AFL.

"They bring their own expertise in any and every aspect of being a professional footballer, and I am very grateful to have them."

Alongside the expertise of the veterans, Batchelor is ready for the next wave of leaders to emerge, including the likes of Sam Banks and Tom Brown, who are both coming off strong 2025 campaigns.

Josh Gibcus is looking to put together a full season, which would be his first since 2022, due to a horror injury run. The 22-year-old, who has managed just 21 games since his Round 1 debut in 2022, made a promising AFL return in last season's finale and has been backed by Yze to play a key role this year.

Another player who has enjoyed a strong pre-season is Campbell Gray, who continues to grow at a rapid rate as a key defender option.

Luke Trainor will look to build on an eye-opening debut season which saw him earn a Rising Star nomination in Round 18, Kaleb Smith enters 2026 with momentum after appearing in a career-high eight games last year, while draftee Sam Grlj's dashing speed and ball use off half-back has been a staple of the pre-season.

Working hard in rehab is Judson Clarke, who is recovering from an ACL injury suffered in June last year.

The backline depth takes pressure off the older bodies, with the youngsters now focused on locking down full-time positions in the side.

"With Tigga (Vlastuin) and Broady working themselves through rehab this summer, it’s given the rest of our backline group an opportunity to lean in to the leadership aspect more," Batchelor said.

"Hopefully they have given themselves a strong understanding of what this will bring to our group."

And the messaging and expectation from Batchelor is simple for the 2026 season.

"As a backline, we are aligned with the rest of the team in regards to wanting to improve every day," he said.

"We want to be a backline that continually competes to the final moment, and continues to learn and adapt to what challenges arise."