Richmond has no plans to give up on the 2026 season. 

With just three games remaining, all against teams competing for finals in Adelaide, St Kilda and Geelong, the Tigers are determined to build on the momentum gained from Sunday’s win over West Coast and finish the campaign on a high. 

And it’s a mindset being driven by Richmond’s youngsters.

“The one-to-four year players, we had a chat during the week about not wasting these last few games and setting a few goals to get something out of it,” defender Kye Annand revealed after the Round 21 win.

“It’s a good start, and we will keep going…it would be huge. Not just for the last few games but to go into next year.”

Sam Lalor, who kicked three important goals in Sunday’s win, echoed Annand’s thoughts, adding the chance to test themselves against finals sides is something they won’t waste.

“They’re going to step up their pressure, and we’ve got to play like it’s finals footy as well,” Lalor said.

“It will be a great experience for us, and hopefully we can hold our own in the backend of the year.  

“We want to bring a lot of momentum into next year. We’ve still got plenty of time, three weeks of training, three weeks of games to learn a lot about ourselves as players and three games to bond as a group. 

“Hopefully we can wreck some other team’s chances for finals. We still have a lot to play for, and we’re super excited.”

Three-time premiership defender Nathan Broad believes winning is of the utmost importance, explaining how nobody at Tigerland is waving the white flag.

“It’s awesome. It’s reward for effort for the Monday to Friday stuff, the boys are working so hard, they’re in there so early with their craft,” Broad told the ABC about Sunday’s win.

“They have not thrown the towel in. I’m so proud to get them a win…you need to learn how to win, and I’m so happy for them. We show up on a Monday, we’re honest, and we have a crack, and we train, and we’re trying to win. 

“We’re not trying to get pick one, there’s no way in any world we’re trying to do that. We’re trying to win, and we’re going to try and beat Adelaide next week. 

“We’re trying to build a winning culture, which is awesome. We’re really strong and united as a footy club, which is great.”