Samuel Grlj Biography

Sam Grlj is the AFL Rising Star nominee for round seven of 2026 after recording 21 disposals at 86 per cent disposal efficiency against Melbourne.

Bringing the enthusiasm and blistering pace of youth, the first round draftee has played all seven matches so far in 2026.

"I feel like everyone talks about the young kids and how good of a connection we've got, and I feel like it builds every time we come into the club," Grlj said.

"But even with the older boys, I love chatting with Tom Lynch and Nathan Broad, picking their brains. Dion (Prestia), even Timmy (Taranto) - it's just such a great mix we have right now. They're so experienced and I want to understand how they go about the game."

Richmond select Samuel Grlj with pick No.8 in the 2025 National Draft.

Draft Profile: Grlj showed his top-end mix of speed and endurance at the Draft Combine to be one of the stars of the testing. After finishing second overall in the 2km time trial (5:59 minutes), 'The Sizzler' Grlj also blitzed in the 20-metre sprint, finishing in the top 10 with a time of 2.92 seconds. Some players test well but you don't see it in their game. That's not the case with Grlj, whose signature move is to dash and bolt through with the ball. The midfielder also got a taste of Richmond's VFL side late in the season and he has a point of difference to other midfielders in the pool.