West Australian pair Jacob Blight and Kaleb Smith sign deals to play for Richmond Tigers next season

Richmond have locked in West Australian defender Jacob Blight for another season, months after he was picked up in the mid-season draft.

And the Tigers, who are stacked with WA talent, confirmed they had quietly extended the contract of East Fremantle product Kaleb Smith until the end of next year.

Blight played three league games for Richmond after landing at the club midway through the season, including a homecoming against Fremantle at Optus Stadium.

He was taken with pick two in that draft to boost their depleted injury stocks. Tigers defender Dylan Grimes has since retired.

Richmond talent manager Blair Hartley said he was excited to see what Blight could become after his first full pre-season at the level.

“Having started the season in the WAFL, Jacob was very soon after playing on some of the competition’s best forwards at the MCG, and he did not look out of place,” he said.

“He showed some exciting traits and will benefit from his first pre-season with us this summer, working closely with his new teammates and coaches.”

Blight was the best full-back in the State league for Peel Thunder early in the season and played in last year’s WAFL grand final for the club.

Smith made his debut for the Tigers as a substitute against Geelong in round 13 after missing his entire first season through injury.

“Kaleb adds a lot with his speed, kicking, and versatility, so it was great to see him play some football after what would have been a frustrating year on the sidelines for him in 2023,” Hartley said.

“His attitude has remained first-class, and he has now been able to get some continuity into his body, which will hold him in great stead.

“Having had a taste of AFL footy, it is exciting to see Kaleb, as well as the other two boys, well placed for a strong year in 2025.”