Former St Kilda player Leo Connolly has put pen to paper, making him Richmond’s latest recruit for the 2026 VFL season.

Drafted by the Saints with the 64^th overall pick in the 2019 AFL draft, Connolly went on to feature in seven games across four seasons at Moorabbin, averaging 12 disposals.

He made his AFL debut in Round 15 of the 2021 season, taking to the field as the medical substitute, delivering an impressive first performance at the elite level. He went on to play the next seven games before a concussion in Round 21 brought his promising season to an early end. 

The 24-year-old made his way to Punt Road through his connection with Jake Batchelor, Richmond’s former VFL Coach and current AFL Assistant Coach, whom he previously worked with during their time at Sandringham.  

“Throughout the year, I was talking to Jake Batchelor. I had him at Sandy (Sandringham) when I was on St Kilda’s list and was talking to him about potentially playing VFL here next year,” Connolly told Richmond Media.  

“One thing led to another, and I came down and had a meeting with a few people and absolutely loved the thought of playing here next year and decided that this was the right fit for me.”

After a two-year hiatus from competitive football, Connolly returned from an overseas stint in England. Now back on home soil, he is adamant that his love for the game still burns bright.

“I think it is just exciting to be back in a professional workspace again, in terms of footy,” he said.

“It has been nearly two years since I played some proper footy, having spent last year in England playing cricket just for fun, and this year not getting too many games on the park because of injury.

“Getting the desire back to play proper footy is what has excited me, and to be a part of a really good club makes it exciting.”

Connolly had a standout year with the Sandringham Zebras in 2022, finishing second in the Club’s Best and Fairest count, just one vote shy of the winner.

Tiger fans can expect to see Connolly’s elite decision-making skills off half back, coupled with precise disposal efficiency by foot.