The Richmond Tigers operate under the AFL’s $16.49 million soft salary cap after clearing massive salary space through Dustin Martin’s retirement and veteran departures in 2024.
Richmond finished 18th equal with a 2-20-1 record, claiming their first wooden spoon since 2004.
The club won three premierships in 2017, 2019, and 2020 before rapid decline. Dynasty heroes Martin ($1.2M), Dion Prestia ($700K), and Shane Edwards ($500K) all departed, creating approximately $2.4 million annual cap relief.
List manager Blair Hartley manages strategic spending prioritizing youth development. Coach Adem Yze enters his second season after replacing Damien Hardwick mid-2023, tasked with rebuilding the list through draft investment.
Learn more about Richmond Tigers players’ backgrounds and financial details by selecting their name below.
| Player Name | Position |
| Nick Vlastuin | Defender |
| Jayden Short | Defender |
| Nathan Broad | Defender |
| Josh Gibcus | Defender |
| Sam Banks | Defender |
| Tom Brown | Defender |
| Noah Balta | Defender |
| Ben Miller | Defender |
| James Trezise | Defender |
| Tylar Young | Defender |
| Luke Trainor | Defender |
| Kaleb Smith | Defender |
| Tim Taranto | Midfielder |
| Jacob Hopper | Midfielder |
| Dion Prestia | Midfielder |
| Jack Ross | Midfielder |
| Kane McAuliffe | Midfielder |
| Sam Lalor | Midfielder/Forward |
| Josh Smillie | Midfielder |
| Thomson Dow | Midfielder |
| Jonty Faull | Midfielder |
| Harry Armstrong | Midfielder |
| Kamdyn McIntosh | Midfielder |
| Tyler Sonsie | Midfielder |
| Steely Green | Midfielder |
| Seth Campbell | Forward |
| Maurice Rioli Jr. | Forward |
| Tom Lynch | Forward |
| Jacob Koschitzke | Forward |
| Judson Clarke | Forward |
| Taj Hotton | Forward |
| Samson Ryan | Ruck/Forward |
| Toby Nankervis | Ruck |
| Mate Colina | Ruck |
Richmond Tigers’ Biggest Contracts
- Tim Taranto – Midfielder: Tim Taranto joined from GWS in 2022 on a seven-year deal worth approximately $6 million total. He earns an estimated $850,000-900,000 annually after Richmond traded picks 12, 19, and future first-rounder to acquire him. The 26-year-old averaged 26.4 disposals in 2024, providing consistency despite Richmond’s wooden spoon.
- Jacob Hopper – Midfielder: Jacob Hopper joined from GWS in 2022 on a seven-year deal worth approximately $5.5 million total. He earns an estimated $750,000-850,000 annually alongside Taranto in the dual GWS raid. The 27-year-old played 23 games in 2024, maintaining effort through the losing season.
- Shai Bolton – Forward/Midfielder: Shai Bolton extended through 2028 on a deal worth approximately $4.5 million total before requesting trade to Fremantle after 2024. He earns an estimated $700,000-800,000 annually as Richmond’s most damaging player. The 25-year-old kicked 33 goals in 2024, maintaining output despite team struggles.
- Tom Lynch – Key Forward: Tom Lynch remains on contract earning an estimated $700,000-800,000 annually through 2025. The 32-year-old three-time premiership player kicked 38 goals in 2024. His contract expires after 2025, creating approximately $750K cap relief for youth investment.
- Noah Balta – Defender/Forward: Noah Balta extended through 2029 on a deal worth approximately $4 million total. He earns an estimated $650,000-750,000 annually as Richmond’s versatile key position player. The 25-year-old averaged 15.8 disposals in 2024, transitioning between defense and forward roles.
Richmond’s top-five contracts total approximately $24-26 million across multiple years. The Tigers consume roughly 38-42% of salary cap space on these five players after clearing $2.4 million in veteran departures.
How Richmond Manages the $16.49M Salary Cap
Richmond operates comfortably at approximately $14.5-15.5 million with $1-2 million remaining cap space after dynasty veterans departed. The Tigers allocate 38-42% of salary cap to their top five players, creating rebuild flexibility.
The club cleared massive space through Dustin Martin’s retirement ($1.2M), Dion Prestia’s retirement ($700K), and Shane Edwards’s retirement ($500K). These moves created approximately $2.4 million annual relief for youth development.
Richmond faces moderate pressure in 2025-2026 with Tom Lynch ($750K) expiring and Shai Bolton potentially departing to Fremantle. These changes could clear additional $1.5 million for investing in first-year players from 2023-2024 drafts.
Richmond’s Biggest Decision: The GWS Raid
Richmond’s most significant decision came raiding GWS for Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper in 2022, committing approximately $11.5 million across 14 combined years. The club traded picks 12, 19, and two future first-rounders to acquire both midfielders.
Taranto and Hopper’s combined $1.6-1.75 million annual salaries represented massive bet on external talent accelerating premiership window. The gamble failed spectacularly with Richmond finishing 13th (2023) and 18th (2024) with combined 11-34 record.
The opportunity cost shows Richmond surrendered premium draft capital that could have accelerated rebuild. The club chose immediate reinforcement over patient list building, wasting final years of dynasty core.
This contrasts with Hawthorn’s patient rebuild. The Hawks traded away Tom Mitchell ($850K), accumulating 10+ first-round picks for youth development. Richmond traded picks for expensive veterans, extending dynasty window that already closed.
Salary Cap Strategy: Richmond vs Hawthorn
Richmond employs transitional spending allocating 38-42% of cap to five players mixing expensive recruits with emerging talent. Hawthorn pursues extreme youth spreading 32-37% across five players prioritizing development.
The Tigers maintain expensive external recruits Taranto ($900K) and Hopper ($800K) alongside young stars Bolton ($750K) and Balta ($700K). Hawthorn invests entirely in homegrown talent Sicily ($950K), Day ($750K), and Newcombe ($700K).
Richmond’s philosophy reflects failed dynasty extension attempts. The club bet on Taranto and Hopper reviving success but finished last instead. Hawthorn accepted immediate pain, trading all veterans for draft capital creating sustainable rebuild foundation.
The rivals showcase contrasting post-dynasty management. Richmond clung to success too long, Hawthorn cut ruthlessly. Results show: Richmond won three flags then collapsed, Hawthorn rebuilding strategically toward 2027-2029 contention.
FAQs
How much does Tim Taranto earn at Richmond?
Tim Taranto earns $850,000-900,000 annually on his seven-year deal through 2029 worth approximately $6 million total. The 26-year-old joined from GWS in 2022, averaging 26.4 disposals despite Richmond finishing last with two wins in 2024.
What happened to Dustin Martin’s salary?
Dustin Martin retired after 2024 clearing his $1.2 million annual salary from Richmond’s cap. The three-time Norm Smith medallist’s departure alongside Dion Prestia ($700K) and Shane Edwards ($500K) created approximately $2.4 million total relief for youth investment.
Why did Richmond’s GWS raid fail?
Richmond traded picks 12, 19, and two future first-rounders for Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper, committing $11.5 million across 14 years. The club finished 13th (2023) and 18th (2024) with combined 11-34 record, wasting dynasty’s final years while surrendering premium draft capital.
Does Richmond have salary cap space now?
Richmond has approximately $1-2 million remaining cap space after clearing $2.4 million through Dustin Martin, Dion Prestia, and Shane Edwards retirements. Tom Lynch’s expiring contract ($750K) and Shai Bolton’s potential Fremantle trade could clear additional $1.5 million for youth development.
