Richmond midfielder Jacob Hopper believes the team has "got the balance right" this pre-season, as the 2026 campaign looms large.

In his fourth season in the yellow and black, Hopper has continued to build on his experience and leadership, now putting his focus into nurturing the up-and-coming first and second year players.

"They're all coming in and they are more than capable of playing straight away," Hopper said.

"It's great to see them come in and impact straight away, learn the game plan, get more confident in it and just play to their strengths.

"It's been a great pre-season for the boys in their second year, and also the first year boys coming in."

On a personal note, Hopper has enjoyed another uninterrupted pre-season, after playing a full season last year, which was his first for the Tigers since he joined the Club in 2022.

"I'm feeling good and I feel like we've got the balance right," he said.

"Pre-season's been good. It always feels bigger and harder. It's another year learning how we all play together."

Hopper's load management, alongside his teammates, has been crucial to the build into Round 1 next month, with practice matches first up on the February agenda.

"We're making sure we've set ourselves up for another year and get enough load in without reaching the breaking point," 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).