It’s hard to beat the person who never gives up.
Richmond midfielder Tyler Sonsie has had to overcome career adversity through a never-give-up mindset, shaping the footballer he is today.
Despite amassing 16 senior appearances in 2025, Sonsie ended the season without a guaranteed contract for 2026, leaving the 23-year-old uncertain of his future at the Swinburne Centre.
"I feel like I've grown a lot as a person and as a footballer through that time and to this day," Sonsie told Richmond Media.
“It was a very anxious time, and because I was just waiting until the final couple of days to know if I'm going to be at Richmond or not, it was a very hard time.
“I just needed to put my head down, work hard, get better at what I needed to, and just whatever happens will happen, I could only do what I could control.”
Sonsie went on to secure a one-year contract extension on October 31, 2025, right before the start of pre-season training.
He would return for a fifth season at Tigerland with a renewed focus on becoming a consistent AFL footballer - and he has.
Across 11 games this season, Sonsie is averaging career-highs in disposals (17.1), kicks (9.8), marks (4.5) and metres gained (293.1).
“This year, I feel a lot more confident going to games and just feel like myself out there,” Sonsie said.
“I think I've got a bit of that taste, late last year I started playing some good footy, and then this year I just feel a lot more confident out there and just playing on instinct.”
However, this confidence wasn’t built overnight. It was forged through years of overcoming obstacles and challenges that shaped his footballing journey.
Hailing from Rowville in Melbourne’s South East, Sonsie’s love for the game began in his backyard, where he learnt how to kick the football with his dad.
“It started when I was eight years old. I remember kicking the footy with my old man in the backyard,” Sonsie recalled.
“Then I went through the junior talent pathways after that, started at Eastern Ranges and Vic Metro, and you work your way up until you get drafted.
“I went to Rowville Secondary College, which was very lucky for me. I had a great mentor in Darren Bewick (two-time Essendon premiership player), who was a big part of my journey, and he helped me through school and through getting me drafted as well.”
The agile midfielder enjoyed a great junior career, dominating for Vic Metro in the under-16s competition, where he was named the MVP at the national championships.
Progressing through the talent pathways, his career was brought to a standstill as the COVID pandemic saw the shutdown of the 2020 junior football season.
Initially projected as a top-five pick, Sonsie slid down the draft order, having only strung a handful of games together as he battled through injury.
“I was going well in U16s, and then I didn't play at all when I was 17 due to COVID, same with everyone, and then only played about four or five games in my U18s year,” Sonsie said.
“I also got injured as well, so that was a tough time for me, personally. I'm sure it was with everyone else, but I only managed to get five games in, so it probably didn't help me in my draft year. I probably slid down a bit.
“I wasn't as professional as I am now, to be honest, so I've learned a lot coming to Richmond, and especially over the last few years.”
Despite his setbacks, Sonsie persevered and was selected by Richmond with the 28th pick in the 2021 national draft.
Patiently biding his time, he earned his opportunity to pull on the yellow and black guernsey in Round 18 of the 2022 season, making his debut in a narrow defeat to North Melbourne. It was a dream realised after years of hard work in the lead-up.
“I was so grateful for the opportunity Richmond gave me,” Sonsie reflected.
“It's very special. I had to wait a while to debut in my first year, so getting the jumper for the first time was an awesome feeling growing up as a Richmond kid.
“I got to play alongside Trent (Cotchin), Dustin (Martin) and Dion (Prestia), so I was very excited, and it's an honour to wear the jumper.”
Just six games after his debut, Sonsie held his spot in the side and was selected to play in Richmond’s epic elimination final against Brisbane.
It was a monumental challenge for the then 19-year-old, playing finals footy in just his seventh AFL game. Nonetheless, Sonsie rose to the challenge, amassing 17 disposals, one goal, four tackles and four clearances, along with 348 meters gained.
It was a match along his journey that helped him realise what it was like to play in big moments and when the pressure is at an all-time high.
“It was unbelievable, to be honest, a great experience and something I'll never forget again,” Sonsie said.
“The intensity of the game was on another level, and it was just a really good game, and it was so close that it was very exciting to be a part of.”
Although only five years into his career at Punt Road, Sonsie is relishing the opportunity to help Richmond’s next generation of Tigers, admitting their drive and talent are pushing him to improve his own game.
“It's always good to see more young talent come through and get their opportunity,” Sonsie said.
“It's a good sign for the future as well, but I also can't wait to see Taj Hotton and Sammy Lalor back in action. They're two good mates, and I can't wait to see them out there. They're stars for sure.
“It goes quickly, I’m sort of one of the middle-aged people now.
“Like Sammy and Taj, I try to give them advice if I can. It's actually good because I learn stuff from them too. They're so talented and just so naturally good at the game, you also learn stuff off them, but I try and give my two cents when I can as well.”
With 10 games remaining in Richmond’s 2026 campaign, Sonsie hopes he can stay consistent in his performances while striving for more team success.
"I think it's just more consistency and growth. I feel like the whole team's been good at that so far this year,” he said.
“Individually, it's something I've worked on this year, and I feel like I just want to keep honing in on the consistency and keep growing my game to be a better footballer."
