Injured Richmond key forward Mykelti Lefau is determined to return to the field in 2025 and is eager to repay the Tigers' faith in him.
The 26-year-old suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee after landing awkwardly from a marking contest during his team's clash against Geelong in early June last year.
It was Lefau's second serious knee injury after also rupturing his ACL while playing in the VFL in 2022.
But Lefau is now on the comeback trail, participating in a modified program at Richmond's pre-season training.
The former rugby league player is now looking forward to getting his body right so that he can be an on-field asset for the Tigers.
"I just can't wait to repay them for the faith they've shown in me," Lefau told 7News.
"I was obviously pretty upset after that injury, and I wasn't sure where I would stand after that.
"But they gave me a call pretty much the next day after that and reassured me that they were going to roll with me."
The New Zealand born forward signed a two-year contract extension midway through the year which will see him tied to the club until at least the end of the 2026 season.
"That (the new contract) meant so much to me, I love this club and my whole family loves this club, and I don't see myself anywhere else."
Lefau was a shining light in an otherwise dim season for the Tigers, featuring in ten games after making his senior debut against Port Adelaide in Round 3.
He booted 14 goals, which included recording multiple goals on five occasions and a three-goal performance against the West Coast Eagles.
Lefau's journey to the elite level has been a remarkable one after moving to Australia in 2012 and originally securing a position as part of Melbourne Storm's development squad.
He took to Australian football naturally and made headlines after an incredible 25-goal performance while playing in the U19s for local club St Kilda City.
The impressive athlete received a VFL opportunity with Casey Demons before a couple of interrupted years due to the COVID pandemic.
After returning to the VFL with Richmond, he was eventually noticed by AFL scouts and was drafted as part of the 2023 pre-season supplemental selection period.
As the Tigers turn to their youth in 2025, Lefau has tempered expectations heading into the new season.
"I try not to focus on the results too much and (instead) just focus on the process and I think that will hold us in good stead."
