Richmond’s Sam Banks opens up on links to Tasmania Devils and return home
An emerging Richmond star who is out of contract in 2027 and being linked with a move to his home state, has addressed the talk as he reveals what he is looking forward to next season.
Tasmanian Sam Banks says he sees his long-term future at Richmond despite his home state set to become the AFL’s 19th team from season 2028.
The 22-year-old is coming off the back of a breakout season in 2025, which earned him a new deal through to the end of 2027 setting him up as a prime target for the Devils.
Speaking in Hobart on Monday, after the Tigers confirmed they’d play two home games at Ninja Stadium across the next two seasons, Banks said he was determined to remain in yellow and black.
“I’m really happy at the Richmond footy club,” he said when asked if he would think about a move home to Tassie.
“We’ve got such a good young list coming through now and I’m really keen to be part of the big crew coming through and hopefully in a few years being pretty successful.
“Coming through with all these young boys is pretty exciting.
“I’m lucky enough to be around a few of the older boys that have moved on now so they showed me the way and how to go about things around the footy club.
“I was lucky enough to have a decent year on the field. Now it’s about getting back to work in the next couple of weeks and doing it all over again.”
Banks has now played 43 AFL games on the back of a career year where he locked down a spot off halfback for the Tigers having previously been used as a wingman.
“I think I’ve found a process to play consistent AFL footy and hopefully I can continue that on,” he said.
A former Tasmanian captain at junior level, Banks said he was thrilled for kids in his home state to have something to aspire towards.
When asked how he would feel possibly playing against Tassie’s only AFL side, he said “it would be different, but that doesn’t phase me”.
“Footy is footy. I went for Hawthorn growing up, then get drafted to Richmond and you throw that out the window pretty quick,” he said.
“From a viewer’s perspective, I’m really keen for the team to come in down here, it’s awesome for the state.”
Richmond have been tipped to play against reigning premier in next year’s Hobart game with the fixture to officially be announced later this week.
The Tigers did play on the Apple Isle last season, going down to North Melbourne.
With four Tasmanians on the list including Banks, skipper Toby Nankervis, Seth Campbell and Rhyan Mansell, the club is looking forward to a return.
“Obviously the other boys are from up north but when we came down earlier in the year, everyone’s family came down as well,” Banks said.
“It’s just awesome to be able to play in front of them and all our fans here as well.”
When you can see Olympians in action in Tassie
