Richmond have handed overlooked draft star Tom Burton the opportunity to train for the club’s final 2026 list spot.
Burton was among the top names not selected by an AFL club last week, having enjoyed a dominant campaign with the Western Jets and led Vic Metro at the U18s National Championships.
Featuring in a dozen games in the Coates Talent League, Burton featured among the top performers for the Jets in nine of those matches as he averaged 29.6 disposals, 5.6 marks and 4.4 tackles each outing.
A half-back or midfield prospect, Burton possesses plenty of running power that allows him to find space and great overlap across the back half.
Outside run is an area the Tigers have looked to address via the draft, selecting Oakleigh dasher and Burton’s Vic Metro teammate Sam Grlj at Pick 8.
Burton could add to that cause with a successful training stint at Punt Road, with the Supplemental Selection Period commencing on Monday.
The teenager linked up alongside Grlj and fellow top 10 pick Sam Cumming on the track in his bid for an AFL list spot.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 13: Thomas Burton of the AFL National Academy is tackled during the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys match between Australia U18 and Richmond VFL at RSEA Park on April 13, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
Richmond also selected South Australian pair Zane Peucker and Noah Roberts-Thomson before deciding to keep their single selection for the Rookie Draft open for the SSP.
Burton is positioned as one of the leading names on offer to clubs from this year’s draft class, being one of just six members of the 2025 AFL Academy not recruited to a top flight list.
Playing for the representative side in April, Burton suited up against Richmond’s VFL team, recording 20 disposals at Moorabbin.
The Tigers last used the SSP ahead of the 2024 season, signing VFL talent Mykelti Lefau to its list.
This summer’s window will close on February 20, giving clubs the last chance to add to their list ahead of the 2026 season.