Nick Vlastuin continues to make a strong case for an All-Australian spot this season.
By Tony Greenberg, Richmond Media
Star Richmond defender Nick Vlastuin is making a compelling case for an inaugural All-Australian blazer this year.
Vlastuin has displayed excellent form right throughout the 2025 season, but he lifted his game to an even higher level in yesterday’s clash with Collingwood at the MCG.
He was outstanding across the Tigers’ backline over the course of the four quarters against the premiership favourite, finishing the match with 25 disposals, an equal game-high and AFL career-high 14 contested possessions, seven marks, game-high eight rebound-50s, four score involvements, game-high and career-high 17 intercepts, three tackles and 472 metres gained.
Those 17 intercepts also were the most by any player in the competition this season, highlighting just how impressive Vlastuin’s performance was.
In all 19 games so far this season, the 31-year-old veteran of 252 games with Richmond is averaging 20.0 disposals, 6.2 contested possessions, 6.2 marks, 5.7 rebound-50s, 7.7 intercepts and 389.7 metres gained per match.
He is ranked second in the competition for intercepts and seventh for rebound-50s.
Richmond coach Adem Yze paid a glowing tribute to Vlastuin in his post-match media conference.
“He’s been terrific all year. In tough conditions out there, it was slippery, but the ball looked dry every time when it was around his area,” Yze said.
“He’s such an important part of not only our team, but the way that we play, and the leadership that he provides our younger boys out there.
“Sitting on the bench beside him and listening to the conversations that he’s having with our players down there, it’s just fast-tracking the development of our younger players, which is enormous.”