From a plumber to the big stage, Richmond mid-season draftee Kye Annand will make his highly anticipated AFL debut against Brisbane in Hobart this Sunday.

Selected with pick No.2 in the 2026 Telstra AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft, Annand joined the Club after an outstanding stint as a key defender in Geelong's VFL program.

Standing at 200cm, the 23-year-old moved into the role of a key back man full time this season, after dabbling in the ruck and up forward for the Cats.

Annand also played local level football for Ocean Grove and the Geelong West Giants, before joining the Geelong VFL side in 2023.

The key defender played in Richmond VFL's 12-point victory over Sydney in Round 10, his first in the yellow and black since arriving at the Club in late May.

He collected 13 disposals, had 10 kicks, seven intercept possessions, four marks, three handballs and a clearance in the win.

"Kye was awesome," VFL coach Jack Madgen told Richmond Media in a post-game interview.

“He had some massive plays out there today, which is good to see. I just love the way he slotted in. He’s bought in straight away.”

Richmond’s National Recruiting Manager, Rhy Gieschen, praised the youngster's competitiveness when he was drafted. 

"We love his combativeness and courage, and his rate of improvement over the past few seasons," Gieschen said,

Annand will pull on the guernsey at AFL level for the first time this Sunday against the Lions at Ninja Stadium, Hobart., from 1.10pm (AEST).