Richmond great Matthew Richardson was extremely impressed with what he saw from talented Tiger teenagers Sam Grlj and Sam Cumming in last Friday’s practice match against Essendon.

Grlj, the Tigers’ second selection (No. 8 overall) in the 2025 AFL national draft, showcased his dash out of defence, poise, and deft disposal of the ball.

Cumming, the Club’s first pick (No. 7 overall) in last year’s national draft, looked powerful up forward and in stints through the midfield.

One piece of play, in particular, where the young guns combined for a Richmond goal, caught Richardson’s eye.

It was just before the quarter-time siren, with Grlj delivering a super-skilled pass to Cumming, who subsequently coolly steered it through the big sticks.

“I loved that play when he (Grlj) had it on the point of 50, on the boundary line, bit of pressure on him,” Richardson said on this week’s episode of the Club’s Talking Tigers podcast.

“A lot of players would have just put that to the top of the square. That’s your get-out kick – it’s the easiest option, but he turned inboard and kicked it through to Cumming.

“It just showed his ability to change angles...the way he thought through it, and then the execution.

“It was an outstanding kick, and a good mark, too, by Cumming.”

Richardson believes both Grlj and Cumming are likely to make their AFL debuts with the Tigers in the Round 1 match against Carlton at the MCG.

“From what I saw (of Grlj) on the weekend, and from what you hear how he’s gone all summer, I can’t see how he doesn’t play, to be honest. And probably Cumming as well,” Richardson said.

“When the (quarter-time) siren went, I thought all the focus is really on him (Cumming) here now after the siren. But it didn’t look like missing.

“We know he was a goalkicker in his under-18 year...and that’s all you want, little snippets, because you know the consistency mightn’t be there for a while.”