Richmond track watch: Rhyan Mansell set to step up after Shai Bolton’s departure to Fremantle

Richmond lost some of their biggest stars in the off-season, including the mercurial Shai Bolton. But one speedy forward is set to step up in a big way. See more from Tigers’ track watch here.

There’s no doubt Richmond will miss the wizardry and spark that the mercurial Shai Bolton brought to its forward half over the past eight years.

But a Tiger who lit up the track on a sweltering Friday morning at Punt Rd looks ready to step up and fill the sizeable void.

Rhyan Mansell has come back to the Tigers fit as a fiddle, but it was his craft around goal that caught the eye most.

The 24-year-old was putting the Sherrin through the big sticks for fun during match simulation, getting goalside numerous times with nimble footwork.

Rhyan Mansell looks sharp out on the track. Picture: Getty Images

Mansell played 21 games for 21 goals this year and that output looks set to skyrocket in 2025.

In one passage of play, Mansell flew over his opponent in a marking contest to bring the ball to ground, then landed like a cat before collecting his prize at ground level to slot a major.

Donning his fresh number seven on a training guernsey, Mansell was one of the last Tigers to leave the track as he completed some extra work post the session.

No. 1 draft pick Sam Lalor wasn’t involved in main training as he continues his recovery from a high-grade hamstring injury.

Lalor was on the park but only took part in some light work away from majority of the action.

Josh Smillie was one of the few draftees to take part in the match play, wowing onlookers with a no-look handball in congestion to set his teammate away.

Skipper Toby Nankervis was inside also completing a modified program, allowing other leaders to take charge.

Dion Prestia took charge at times during the session. Picture: Richmond FC

Dion Prestia, the oldest player at the club, was vocal throughout the morning and addressed the main group during a break in training.

Internally the Tigers see Prestia as another coach and his on-field leadership will be vital with so many senior players leaving the club in the off-season.

Noah Balta commanded the backline, flanked by Jacob Koschitzke for periods of match simulation.

Koschitzke was the everywhere man, also spending time up forward and in the ruck.

Jacob Koschitzke looks set to settle in defence. Picture: Richmond FC

New Tiger Josh Smillie. Picture: Richmond FC

The former Hawk does seem more likely to start the season in defence as Richmond looks to integrate a number of their key-position draftees into the forward line as well as the returning Tom Lynch.

Samson Ryan took control of ruck duties in the absence of Nankervis and nailed a monster goal on the run from a stoppage, with the ball carrying all of 80 metres.

The Tigers suffered a disastrous season on the injury front this year, but things are looking promising heading into 2025.

Mykelti Lefau, Josh Gibcus, Tylar Young and Judson Clarke are the only players currently ruled out of round 1 as they recover from their respective ACL injuries.

Tom Brown is set to re-join main training after Christmas following shoulder surgery that ended his 2024 campaign early.

Draftee Tom Sims spent his first week at Tigerland ill, but is now out on the track.

PLAYERS WHO IMPRESSED

Kamdyn McIntosh

Richmond waited to give Kamdyn McIntosh a list spot until after the trade period, but the veteran looks to have taken that in his stride this pre-season. The 30-year-old finished second in the 2km time trial at the end of last month and his running power was on show again on Friday. McIntosh continually found space in match play by using sheer work rate and his bullet passes hit up his teammates with precision. Should be able to play the 10 matches he needs to bring up a deserved 200-game milestone for the club.

Richmond are hoping to get more out of Tom Lynch next season. Picture: Getty Images

Seth Campbell is hoping for a breakout year in 2025. Picture: Richmond FC

Tom Lynch

A full pre-season is set to help Tom Lynch get out on the field and stay there in 2025. Lynch has had a heavily interrupted last two years at Richmond, playing just eight games out of a possible 46. The Tigers are pleased with his current condition and the dual premiership player was able to partake in some contact drills where he confidently stood up to dish off a handpass while being tackled. It’s vital that Lynch plays senior football this year to show the way in the Tigers’ young forward line.

Seth Campbell

The teenager looks set to create plenty of problems for defenders alongside Mansell in the front half for Richmond next year. Campbell is looking super fit, using his pace to explode away from those willing to try and keep up with him. His creativity around goal was also on show, slotting a goal from the pocket off one step during match simulation.

Originally published as Richmond track watch: Rhyan Mansell set to step up after Shai Bolton’s departure to Fremantle