Three Tigers commit

Richmond trio Campbell Gray, Kaleb Smith and Oliver Hayes-Brown have committed to Richmond, putting pen to paper on contract extensions.

Gray has signed on for the next two years, while Smith is locked in for his fourth season at the Club and Hayes-Brown for his third as a Category B Rookie.

A mid-season find in 2024, Gray showed great potential in 2025, earning his AFL debut.

The rangy defender performed admirably across all three of his AFL outings and was a standout at VFL level.

Injury curtailed the second half of Gray’s season, with knee injuries keeping him on the sidelines from Round 11 (VFL) onwards.

Gray returned in time for Richmond’s VFL Finals Wildcard match before suffering a concussion that ended his game early and kept him out of the following week.

The 22-year-old averaged 9.7 disposals, five marks, and eight one percenters per game at AFL level.

Smith added eight AFL games this year, to the four he played in 2024, showing growth, including a career-high 20 disposals in the Dreamtime at the ‘G match.

The 20-year-old also broke out as a dominant VFL player, averaging 24 disposals, with three games of 30 or above.

Smith was one of Richmond’s best-performing players across the VFL finals campaign.

Hayes-Brown was recruited to the Club from NBL club Perth Wildcats and took giant strides this season, holding down the VFL number one ruck position for most of the season.

It continued a consistent trajectory for the 208cm ruckman after he started last season at VAFA club Old Ivanhoe, learning his craft before earning a VFL debut in Round 11 of the 2024 season.

Hayes-Brown played 16 matches at the state league level this year, averaging 12 disposals and 21 hit-outs per game.

The big man was particularly impressive in a 26 disposal, 36 hit out and one goal outing against Northern Bullants, highlighting his capability as an aerobic tall.

Richmond Executive General Manager Football Talent, Blair Hartley, said that all three players had taken encouraging steps forward in 2025.

“It was great to see Campbell breakthrough for his AFL debut and play strong football whenever he was available right across the season and for Kaleb to double his career games tally,” he said.

"Ollie also received significant exposure at VFL level and took his game to a new level.

“Each player has really applied themselves in their time at the Club and earned these contract extensions.

“We know that they will attack the summer with the same commitment, and we are excited to see what they can achieve next season."

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