Another exciting young talent has emerged at Richmond, with young gun Patrick Retschko picking up the Round 11 AFL Rising Star nomination for his efforts in the side's 18-point win over Essendon in Dreamtime at the ‘G.
The 20-year-old shone in just his sixth AFL game, amassing a career high in disposals (27), kicks (15), handballs (12), and marks (8).
Retschko made his AFL debut with Richmond in Round 6 and has gone on to play in every game since, offering elite ball skills and running endurance.
The hard-running winger was acquired by Richmond in a trade with Geelong for the 99th pick in the 2025 trade period.
Despite not playing an AFL game in his debut year with the Cats, Retschko has excelled at Richmond, averaging 18.7 disposals, 5.2 marks and 426.8 meters gained.
Coach Adem Yze had high praise for his winger and said he has been impressed with the impact he has had at the elite level.
“He is a beauty. He has high speed, high endurance, and so we knew what we had going in,” Yze said on SEN.
“The positive is that right now, he is looking like he belongs on an AFL field."
Teammate Jayden Short, in his 200th game, also had affirmation for Retschko, impressed by his work ethic and training standards since joining the Club.
“’Retsch’ is a gun...since the day he walked in I’ve been really impressed by the guy with his willingness to work,” Short said in a post-match interview with Richmond Media.
“He obviously came from a good system down in Geelong, and he’s really hungry, which I love from a younger guy.
“He’s come in and really set the tone with his training.
“His running ability is like I’ve never seen before. But then, ball in hand, he’s elite as well.
“I’m rapt he’s on our team now, and he’s been a great teammate ever since coming across. So, really lucky to have him.”
Retschko becomes Richmond’s second Rising Star nominee for the 2026 season, joining Sam Grlj (Round 7).
