Richmond Says It Needs More Speed. So What Is Hugo Ralphsmith Actually Being Judged Against?
Richmond has identified speed as one of the qualities it needs more of. Hugo Ralphsmith presents an awkward test of what that statement really means.
He has played 75 AFL games, carries genuine running power and enters the end of 2026 out of contract after an interrupted 13-game season. Richmond has also spent the past year adding younger speed around him.
So is the decision simply whether Ralphsmith is fast enough? Or has the real question become whether his speed changes enough football — transition, territory, scoring connection and two-way structure — to remain more valuable than the next use of the list spot?
That is where the puzzle gets interesting. Richmond can keep known running capacity, or it can chase a different form of speed elsewhere. What would have to be true for either choice to make sense?
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