AAMI Practice Match Review: Richmond vs GWS — SuperCoach 2026 Takeaways

The stat sheet from a practice match rarely tells the whole story. But 20 disposals and 3 clearances for Taj Hotton — in his second AFL season, in his first real competitive hit-out of 2026 — tells you exactly what Richmond are planning.

The Tigers beat GWS 11.9 (75) to 9.9 (63) at the Swinburne Centre, and while the scoreline was comfortable enough, the more significant outcome was the role clarity emerging from Richmond's rebuilt team list. Hotton and Sam Lalor are the midfield. Full stop.

The Match in 60 Seconds

Richmond dominated the clearances 38-28, largely through Hotton and Lalor's contested work. The pair combined for 22 disposals and 10 clearances between them — a glimpse of what Richmond's engine room could look like when both are firing.

Tom Lynch made his intentions clear for 2026 with two goals, using his body well against GWS's reoriented defence. GWS were competitive but predictably unsettled — Clayton Oliver (18 disposals) showed class but found new connections difficult to build in shortened time. Toby Greene was the best player on the ground regardless of which jumper you were wearing.

Three Players to Watch for Round 1

1. Taj Hotton (MID, $246,900) — Richmond

The numbers: 20 disposals, 3 clearances, constant inside pressure.

There's no ambiguity about Hotton's role after this. Richmond deployed him as an inside midfielder with freedom to push forward — exactly the multi-layered role that produces elite SuperCoach scores. He won contested possessions, hit the line hard, and distributed cleanly.

At $246,900 with a deflated 55 average from a limited 2025, the second-year leap case is straightforward. This game confirmed what the data was already suggesting: Richmond need him, and he's going to get every opportunity.

Verdict: Pre-season buy. One of the cleaner value plays in the mid-price range.

2. Sam Lalor (MID, $224,700) — Richmond

The numbers: 17 disposals, 5 clearances. First proper look in 2026.

Five clearances from an 18-year-old in a practice match isn't fluke production — that's a player who belongs in midfield and earns his possessions the hard way. Richmond's rebuilt list means he won't be competing against an established pecking order. It's his role to take.

Verdict: Cheap cash cow with genuine ceiling if the clearance role solidifies from Round 1.

3. Toby Greene (FWD/MID) — GWS

The numbers: 22 disposals, 7 tackles. Clearly GWS's best.

Greene was indefatigable — 22 touches shifting between forward pocket and inside midfield. His tackle count reflects GWS's pressure system but Greene generating that personally is notable for a player primarily used as a forward. The hybrid role continues to push his scoring floor higher.

Verdict: Underrated premium. If GWS keep giving him through-ball time, he's in the mix for 100+ averages.

Other SuperCoach Notes

• Tom Lynch (Richmond FWD): 2 goals from 9 disposals. The focal point is confirmed — Richmond's rebuilt midfield will give him supply.
• Clayton Oliver (GWS MID): 18 disposals and a late goal. The class is still there; the connections take time.
• Finn Callaghan (GWS MID): 19 disposals. Finally fully fit — if he stays healthy, genuine mid-price value.
• Aaron Cadman (GWS FWD): 2 goals from 7 disposals. The young Giant is settling into a focal forward role.

Injury Watch

| Player | Club | Issue | R1 Impact | |--------|------|-------|-----------| | Tim Taranto | Richmond | Managed | Fine — conservative pre-season | | Tom Green | GWS | Knee (monitored) | Expected fit — no risk policy |

The Bottom Line

This game confirmed two things: Richmond's midfield is Hotton and Lalor's to lose, and on this evidence they're not going to lose it. The role confirmation at this early stage is invaluable — you don't often see such clear role signals in Round 1 of the pre-season.

For SuperCoach purposes, the Richmond midfield pair is where you make your money. The only remaining question is whether the clearance numbers hold at this level through the full AAMI Series.

-DK

For more pre-season analysis, see our Rookie Power Rankings Traffic Light Guide and the AAMI Community Series wrap.