Pre-season has taken a new shape in 2026, with the inclusion of former All Blacks fullback Matt Duffie, bringing years of tackling experience to the Swinburne Centre.
Duffie represented Melbourne Storm in the NRL from 2010-2015, prior to returning to rugby union in 2016.
Now, he has taken a young Richmond squad under his wing, offering a new perspective on the way players can execute a tackle with the hopes of maximising performance come game day.
“I think for me, coming from a rugby background, a lot of the things we speak about are closing space and the footwork into contact,” Duffie explained to Richmond Media.
“That is the main theme that I have been bringing into the tackling. Once we get to the contest, the boys are pretty sweet because they are aggressive and have a good mindset.
“It is about sharpening up their footwork into contact, which we have been working on most of the pre-season.”
Each Friday, Duffie takes the players through a range of different tackling drills to sharpen their footwork and improve their technique.
The goal? To shut down the opposition come gameday.
“I think getting their feet closer to tackles, and that will automatically make them more effective. They will be able to finish more tackles,” Duffie said.
“Fingers crossed, we will see that transfer from what they are doing in here and out to the field.
“It has been really positive so far, the players have really bought into what I’m trying to teach, and they are a great group.”
Duffie’s drills teach not only how to effectively stop the opposition, but also to execute safe tackling techniques that reduce the risk of self-injury to the tackler.
“I think within the game of AFL, there are some tackles that can become dangerous around sling tackles, and I think a lot of that comes from poor technique or getting yourself in a bad position,” Duffie said.
“So hopefully by sharpening up the technique, it will become safer for the tackler by getting their head on the right side of the tackle, but also for the guy with the footy.
“Ultimately, you are competitive, but you want to be looking after the guy you are playing against.”
Multiple players have already impressed Duffie with their fierce tackling ability throughout the pre-season.
“There have been a couple of good performances,” he said.
“From the smalls group, I think Mans (Rhyan Mansell) has been really good, and I think Steely (Green) has shown a lot of intent about what he does. I love seeing him go about his business.
“From the talls group, Benny (Ben Miller) is a great tackler and obviously my man from New Zealand, Kelts (Mykelti Lefau), it is awesome to see a Kiwi in here, and his tackle technique is rugby-like, so I have used him in a few demonstrations just to show the boys what it looks like.”
