“It’s just been a masterclass”: Hutchison applauds Richmond’s draft haul in the face of a swift rebuild

Off The Bench’s Craig Hutchison and former AFL player manager Liam Pickering have tipped their hats to Richmond’s recruiting staff after the club raked in a remarkable draft haul.

The Tigers took eight players in total with six of those coming in the first round, including No.1 pick Sam Lalor.

Hutchison was staggered by the Tigers' accuracy and the young talent they brought into the club over a single draft.

“Gee, they’ve had a great draft. They’ve thought this through well over the last three or four months,” Hutchison said on SEN's Off The Bench.

“I reckon it’s just been a masterclass. Hats off to them. I underestimated them.

“I just think it’s genius what they’ve done.”

Pickering is resolute that this can speed up the Tigers' rebuild process. A task which is vital before the new Tasmanian side enters the competition in 2028.

The move to trade Pick 27 for a future first-rounder from North Melbourne could very well create two top-five selections again for Richmond in next year's draft.

If Richmond can bounce back, Pickering believes it could save them from being perennial basement dwellers once again.

“Their rebuild will be quick, it’s not going to be next year, but it’ll be within five (years),” Pickering said.

“They’ve probably got to get 80 games into these guys, but this group will be good.

“They replenish quickly and they’ve got two next year (first-round picks). They talked North into their first pick next year.

“How have they done that?”

The Tigers are widely tipped to finish with the wooden spoon again in 2025, an unfavourable position for the Richmond faithful.

However, Lalor along with Josh Smillie, Taj Hotton, Jonty Faull, Luke Trainor, Harry Armstrong and Jasper Alger will provide a youthful injection which could spur the Tigers back to competitive form once again.