Tanner Armstrong will make his debut for Richmond’s VFL team in Saturday’s clash against St Kilda, another exciting step in his journey with the Club.

Armstrong has been a member of Richmond’s Next Generation Academy for five years, developing his game under the tutelage of the Tigers program. 

A 177cm tough, hard-bodied midfielder, Armstrong is set to provide grunt, intensity and ball-winning ability to Jack Madgen’s VFL side on Saturday.

He has trained with Richmond’s AFL and VFL programs over the past few seasons, and having trained under Madgen throughout the season, Armstrong is set to fit in seamlessly.

“Tanner has been working diligently on his craft at Scotch College, Murray Bushrangers and Vic Country,” Head of Richmond Academy, Harmit Singh, said.

"VFL selection is a great reward for effort with Tanner after being involved with the Club's Academy for the past five years. 

"I've enjoyed working with Tanner this year and look forward to seeing him play to his strengths on the weekend.” 

“I’m so proud to see Tanner making his Richmond VFL debut this weekend,” Richmond's Indigenous Cultural Capability Manager, Luke Murray said.

“I’ve known Tanner since he was 10 years old and it’s been a privilege to be part of his journey and watching him grow up into who he is today is wonderful. Playing in this weekend’s VFL game is another exciting step in his football journey, which is only just beginning."

Growing up in Shepparton, the Armstrong family have always been linked to Richmond, with all of Tanner’s older siblings having been part of the Tigers’ NGA program or the Korin Gamadji REAL programs.

Armstrong played most of his junior footy at the Rumbalara Football and Netball Club, while he went to Shepparton United when he moved to Scotch College. 

Armstrong first appeared on Richmond’s radar when he was just 10 years old due to his immense talent, and he first pulled on the yellow and black in 2022 at the AFL’s NGA Carnival. 

Before that, in 2018, Armstrong was the water boy for a Richmond NGA game against Hawthorn at Punt Road. 

In 2023, the Club helped him secure a scholarship at Scotch College, where he won the school’s best and fairest award when he was still in year 10, an outstanding achievement. 

Armstrong has an impressive list of junior accolades, including making the AFL Flying Boomerangs in 2023, making Vic Country teams from U16s to U18s, including an All-Australian U16 honour, and playing for the AFL National Academy earlier this year.

Armstrong has also been a member of the National Indigenous Academy as a 16 and 17-year-old.  

Earlier this year, Armstrong took place in the Laguntas dance before the Dreamtime at the ‘G clash between Richmond and Essendon.

Richmond’s VFL season finale will take place on Saturday at 2:05pm at RSEA Park against St Kilda.