As the 2026 season quickly approaches, Mykelti Lefau knows he finally has an uninterrupted chance to prove himself in a budding Richmond forward line.

After being sidelined for half of his debut season and almost all of last year, the 27-year-old is ready for a crack at cementing a spot in attack

Reduced to just one game last season at AFL level on return from his ACL injury, in which he injured his calf, you'd forgive the key forward for potentially losing some drive and love of the game.

"It was a tough year, I was off for a bit with the injuries," Lefau told Channel 7.

But Lefau refused to let his latest injury setback stop him from getting fit and going again in 2026.

In fact, it's given the 11-gamer a chance to work closely with veteran Richmond forward, Tom Lynch, on becoming a more dynamic force in front of goal.

"It gives you the time to fine-tune the things you really need to work on," Lefau said.

"Especially for me, a developing player in the AFL system, you just get to learn around the boys like Lynchy, just watching extra vision."

For Lefau, who was picked up on the eve of the 2024 season via the pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP), he is utilising his extended time away from the main stage to draw inspiration from the beginning of his career.

"The first year as an SSP, I was cracking in and I left no stone unturned," he said.

"To be back in that position to fight for my spot again, it's really good."

As for what lies ahead for the Tigers, Lefau is "all in" for what promises to be an exciting season.

"There's going to be no pressure, but everyone's seen from (Adem) Yze that we want to go all in this season. That's our focus for the season, going all in and playing how we want to play," he said.

Richmond is now looking ahead to Friday 20 February, when it meets Essendon at NEC Hangar for Match Simulation from 10.30am (AEDT).