Richmond veteran Sarah Hosking believes the time is now for the next generation of Tiger cubs to push for premiership success in season 2025.
Entering the Club's sixth season in the AFLW competition, Hosking, who has played 33 games in the yellow and black, is ready to let the youngsters bring the improved game plan to life.
And it's all in the hopes of not only making finals, but winning them.
"We've had a huge pre-season for a couple of months now, we're shaping up pretty well, the list is pretty solid," Hosking said on Talking Tigers.
More specifically, the growth through the midfield, led by superstars Monique Conti and Ellie McKenzie, has left Hosking feeling satisfied that the midfielders will have a big impact this season.
"Ellie McKenzie. She's been phenomenal. She was our No.1 draft pick a few years back and she's had a few injury niggles. This has been her first full pre-season where she's come in and is absolutely dominating," she said.
"Issy Bacon is getting some time in the midfield and I think she'll be a really good one to watch."
But it's beyond just the midfield group that have improved in the off season. The addition of Paige Scott, alongside picking up Darebin's Lulu Beatty, has further made the selection conversation more difficult for Richmond's coaches.
"What Richmond does so well is that integration and connection piece. There's some really young, exciting talent coming through that is shaping that future," Hosking said.
"Watching some of these kids come through that have played footy since they were four, five, six years old is the really exciting part. The kids that can kick on their left and their right. It's really exciting to see that talent come through."
With Round 1 against the Swans at North Sydney Oval set for Friday 15 August, Hosking has revealed that the team is settling into their new roles.
"I'm excited to see our midfield combination of Ellie McKenzie, Mon Conti, Ally Dallaway and actually seeing the ball transition to the forward line of Caitlin Greiser and Katie Brennan, who are in fine form," she said.
"I'm excited to see the way our game has developed."
A Match Simulation against Carlton at Ikon Park is set for this Friday night from 5pm, and will be live streamed on the Richmond website.
Next week, the Tigers will take part in an official Practice Match against Hawthorn. Proceedings are scheduled on Sunday 3 August from 12pm at Ikon Park, with the team to be named the day before.
You can purchase your tickets for the 2025 season here.
