​​Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.​

Richmond is continuing its push to have Josh Smillie return to football before the end of the 2026 AFL season despite the young midfielder’s difficult injury run. The first round draft selection from 2024 remains the only member of the Tigers’ highly rated group from that class yet to play senior football. Coach Adem Yze says Smillie is progressing well and could return to some form of competition in the coming weeks.

The big bodied midfielder has endured a frustrating period with injuries, including a quad setback suffered during a light kicking session. However, Richmond believes the recovery process has provided valuable lessons as Smillie prepares to resume training.

Smillie begins next stage of recovery

Yze said Smillie is now in a strong position after focusing on his body, conditioning and rehabilitation.

“He’s in a really good spot, so we got a lot out of it: body composition, different running techniques and he did grow, he’s a big boy,” Yze said.

“He learns a lot about himself and his body, and then now he’s earned the right to train.”

Smillie has started his kicking program, with Richmond planning to gradually increase his workload. The next important step will be determining when he can return to full training.

Yze said seeing Smillie back with the football was an exciting development for both the player and the club’s leadership group.

“He started his kicking program this week, we’ll start to up the ante,” Yze said.

“The main thing is when he is available to get into full training.”

Tigers want young players ready

Richmond had the option of shutting Smillie down for the remainder of the season, but Yze believes there is more benefit in allowing him to experience football if his body permits.

The coach said the possibility of Smillie playing a handful of games late in the year could be important for his development.

“We’re not wrapping up the season, we’ve got plenty to play for in the second half of the year and so do our young lads,” Yze said.

The Tigers have taken a similar approach with other young players, including Campbell Gray, who also had discussions about whether to continue pushing towards a return.

Yze believes the process of preparing, recovering and returning to play helps young players understand the demands of AFL football.

“Dealing with that, going through that rehab process, if we were playing a preliminary final, what would that look like during the week?” Yze said.

“It’s keeping our young lads ready for that and they need to learn through that.”

If Smillie is able to progress as hoped, Richmond expects his return timeline to become clearer over the next month.

Tigers receive further injury boosts

Richmond also received positive news regarding several senior players.

Captain Toby Nankervis has recovered and is available to face North Melbourne on Sunday, providing an important boost for the Tigers’ midfield and ruck group.

Forward Tom Lynch is also nearing a return after suffering a fractured larynx during the Dreamtime match against Essendon. Despite the injury, Lynch played out the game and helped Richmond secure the victory.

Yze said Lynch is recovering well and has one final medical step before returning to full contact training.

“He’s got one more box to tick with the surgeon, he’s progressing well,” Yze said.

“He’s allowed to talk, so we’ve obviously got to look after him. It’s a unique injury.”

Lynch is expected to return to training with restrictions before being considered for a playing comeback.

Future focus for Richmond

While Richmond’s season has been challenging, the club remains focused on development and preparing its younger players for the future.

Smillie’s potential debut would provide a significant moment for the Tigers and give supporters a first look at one of their most highly rated recent selections.

The club will continue to monitor his progress carefully, but the possibility of seeing him at AFL level before the end of the season remains alive.