Anticipation is building at the Swinburne Centre as the 2026 season approaches. Over the next three days, Richmond Media will preview the reasons why this season will be one you can’t afford to miss. Click here to read part one.
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Dreamtime at the ‘G
A highlight of every season is Dreamtime at the ‘G, and 2026 will be no different.
Scheduled for the primetime Friday night stage for the second consecutive year, Richmond and Essendon will clash on May 22 at 7:40pm at the MCG.
This year will be the 22nd Dreamtime, with the ledger sitting at 12 Tiger victories and nine Bomber wins. Essendon holds the recent advantage, winning the past three contests.
Dreamtime is a night that is bigger than football, though. It is an occasion that celebrates and pays homage to the huge contribution made by First Nations peoples to the game.
The match also supports the Korin Gamadji Institute (KGI). Proceeds from the Dreamtime guernsey sales, Dreamtime at the ‘G match worn guernsey auction, and Dreamtime memberships, have injected more than $550,000 into KGI, supporting programming that empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.
In 2011, Richmond became the first club in the AFL to have a specially designed guernsey for the competition’s showpiece game.
One of the biggest nights on the football calendar, the 2026 edition of Dreamtime at the ‘G is once again set to be a special occasion.
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A fresh midfield mix
The present and future will combine to create an exciting midfield for the Tigers this season.
Established leaders Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper and Dion Prestia are coming off positive 2025 seasons, with Taranto polling 20 Brownlow votes, Hopper enjoying a clean bill of health and Prestia making an instant impact in the second half of the campaign.
Jack Ross continues to find his voice and grow his presence as a leader and is likely to be an important piece of the Richmond midfield puzzle. He has recently signed a new two-year deal.
That quartet will no doubt play a crucial role in guiding the next generation of Tiger midfielders.
The injection of youth, via the likes of Sam Lalor, Taj Hotton, Sam Cumming, Sam Grlj and co, is set to energise the midfield group. It's an engrossing prospect for the Tiger Army.
To read more about the outlook for the midfielders, click here.
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Strong defensive pillars
One constant for the Tigers heading into the new season will be a strong and stable defensive unit.
Ben Miller is coming off a career-best season, winning the Fred Swift Medal for his fourth placed finish in the Jack Dyer Medal. The key defender has extended his deal at the Swinburne Centre until the end of 2027.
With a healthy Josh Gibcus, Noah Balta back to his best, and Campbell Gray having a stellar pre-season, Adem Yze’s key defensive stocks are filled with talent.
Veterans Nick Vlastuin and Nathan Broad will provide invaluable leadership and guidance, while maintaining their impactful level of play. These qualities resulted in Vlastuin making last year’s All-Australian Squad and Broad being named for Western Australia’s State of Origin team, set to play later this month.
Add in an ever-improving Sam Banks, and Richmond’s defensive prowess will once again be on full display this season.
To read more about the outlook for the backline, click here.
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Revamped development coaching team
One area that the Tigers have invested heavily in, is the development coaching space.
Richmond has added three-time premiership player, and two-time All-Australian, Luke Breust, and two-time premiership player, Taylor Duryea, to its coaching staff, with the duo already making their presence felt.
Furthermore, former Magpie Jack Madgen is the new VFL coach, bringing with him experience as the captain of Adelaide’s SANFL team, the coach of the Crows Boys Academies and a line coach for their successful AFLW team.
The trio will help fast-track the growth and evolution of Richmond’s youngsters, an invaluable asset in the Tigers’ journey back to the top.
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Tigers in Tassie
Richmond’s rich connection with Tasmania will strengthen in 2026, when the Tigers host a home game at Hobart’s Ninja Stadium in Round 14 against the Brisbane Lions.
Tasmania is home to some of the Club’s all-time greatest figures in Matthew Richardson, Jack Riewoldt, Royce Hart, Ian Stewart, Michael Roach, and Brendon Gale.
Toby Nankervis, along with Banks, Seth Campbell, Rhyan Mansell, and AFLW player Mackenzie Ford, also hail from Tasmania. The Club’s trailblazing first-ever Indigenous player, Derek Peardon, is another proud Tasmanian.
The Tiger Army always shows out in force in Tasmania, and come June 14, there’s no doubt the Apple Isle will be painted yellow and black.
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