Richmond youngster Josh Smillie recently returned from the USA feeling refreshed, recharged, and energised to attack the second half of the 2026 season.

Smillie and Richmond’s Executive General Manager, Football Talent, Blair Hartley, spent six days in Philadelphia in May, where they worked with world-renowned reconditioning specialist Bill Knowles.

Knowles has worked with the best of the best, including Tiger Woods, Alex Rodriguez, Andy Murray, Peyton Manning, Dara Torres, Jonny Wilkinson, Frank Lampard, and several AFL players across his 33 years of experience in sports reconditioning and athletic development. 

Smillie, the No.7 pick in the 2024 draft, trained for complex athletic movements with Knowles, building knowledge, confidence and skills in his body and mind to adapt, respond and execute the physical and mental demands of AFL football.

Importantly, the trip was a circuit-breaker for Smillie. The 20-year-old has yet to make his AFL debut due to injury setbacks, but despite that, his attitude has never faltered, showcasing incredible diligence and commitment to his rehab. 

To help break up his journey back to the field, the trip was a chance for Smillie to continue his recovery in a different environment with a world-class practitioner. 

Smillie has returned to the Swinburne Centre more mobile and moving better, while he is running and kicking as he works himself back into training. 

As always, Smillie’s welfare and long-term fitness is at the forefront of the Club’s return to play plan for him, as the powerful midfielder is viewed as an important part of Richmond’s future.