Sam Grlj has been the highlight of the 2026 season so far for Richmond.
The 18-year-old, taken by the Tigers with their second pick (No. 8 overall) in the 2025 AFL national draft, has provided exciting run-and-carry out of defence and also has impressed during brief stints through the midfield.
After four games of his debut League season, Grlj is averaging 17.2 disposals, 4.8 marks, 4.2 intercepts and 345.2 metres gained.
Among AFL rising stars, he is ranked second for metres gained, second for effective disposals, fourth for total disposals, equal-fourth for tackles and fifth for marks.
Grlj has played with a maturity way beyond his years. He’s been composed, highly-competitive, disciplined, and constantly looks to take the game on.
The Tiger Army love the way Grlj goes about his football, and they have plenty to look forward to with the talented youngster as he builds on the strong start to his journey at the Swinburne Centre.
