It’s early days in Jasper Alger’s AFL career, but he’s shaping as an absolute draft steal for Richmond.

The 183cm, talented teenage forward, taken by the Tigers with their last of eight picks (No. 58 overall) in the 2024 national draft, has showcased the impressive skill set he possesses throughout his past two games following his return from a knee injury that sidelined him for a couple of months.

After playing a lone hand up forward with three goals out of a team total of eight in Richmond’s 114-point loss to Sydney at the SCG in Round 12, Alger took his game to another level against reigning back-to-back premier Brisbane at Hobart’s Ninja Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Alger took a game-high five marks inside-50 and kicked a game-high/AFL career-high four goals in the Tigers’ spirited performance.

Richmond coach Adem Yze sang Alger’s praises during his post-match press conference.

“He’s in really good form,” Yze said.

“He’s a talented kid, and if it is breezy, he does read the play very well.

“He’s playing above his weight grade right now. He’s playing tall for us and providing a contest.

“His talent shone through.” 

Currently this season, in the four games he has played, Alger is ranked first among AFL rising stars for goals per game (eighth in total), first for marks inside-50 per game (sixth in total), fourth in contested marks per game (ninth in total) and seventh in tackles inside-50 per game.