Richmond's No. 1 pick Sam Lalor made a stunning debut in the AFL 2025 season, showcasing his potential and prompting comparisons to one of the league's greatest players, Dustin Martin. Lalor, who had a stellar start with an 18-disposal and two-goal performance against Carlton on March 13, 2025, has already garnered a Rising Star nomination for his impressive efforts.
Richmond coach Adem Yze sees striking parallels between the young talent and the three-time Norm Smith Medal winner, stating that the Tigers "almost need two of him." Despite being drafted as a midfielder, Lalor primarily played as a forward during his debut match, a strategic decision by Yze to shield him from the physical challenges of the midfield following a jaw injury he sustained during pre-season.
"We’ll grow that part of his game [midfield]," Yze explained in discussing Lalor's future development. “The pre-season he had he trained as a midfielder, he’s done a bit of forward craft. We just thought we’d get him out of the crash and bash early with his jaw and get him feeling like he’s belonging on an AFL field.” Yze’s plan for Lalor includes gradually increasing his exposure to the midfield as the season progresses, allowing him to develop into the dual-threat player the team envisions.
Reflecting on Lalor’s debut performance, Yze expressed confidence while also wanting to guard against undue pressure. "I don’t want to put that pressure on him but he has similar traits; he will be the best version of Sam Lalor," he said. The coach emphasized the long-term vision for Lalor’s career, noting that in ten years' time, the conversation will shift from who he resembles to who he is as a player.
Yze remarked, "In 10 years’ time, we will be talking about Sam Lalor for who he is, not who he played like. His impact in the front end, air and ground, and then when he goes inside, he knows what he’s doing, and he’s a big boy.” The dual-threat expectation—both forward and midfield roles—underscores the coaching staff's belief in his versatility and potential to make game-changing plays.
As part of his management strategies for Lalor and the club's other top draft picks, Yze is weighing the option of resting players at certain points during the season. He foresees this consideration could come into play around the bye, taking into account training loads and the number of consecutive games played. Last season, the coach strategically rested emerging player Seth Campbell around round 19, reflecting a cautious but informed approach to player development.
Yze stated, "Throughout the year we will look at that; it will be around training load and how many games in a row they’ve played. There will be those discussions, but we’re not at that point right now. We had Seth Campbell last year, he wasn’t used to playing so much footy. I think it was round 19 we gave him a break.” This meticulous approach aims not only to preserve the players’ health but also to build consistent performance levels among the younger athletes.
For now, though, Lalor's impressive debut is a source of excitement for Richmond fans and a hopeful sign for the club's future direction. With further development, the young star could mature into a player whose name is not only recognized by fans but revered throughout the AFL.
