Armstrong, who is tied to Richmond through its Next Generation Academy, has continued his form seen in his early appearances for the Murray Bushrangers in 2026, accumulating mass possessions and leaving a damaging influence on the contest.
In the AFL Academy’s opening match-up against North Melbourne VFL, Armstrong collected 21 disposals, securing two clearances and made four tackles on the odd occasion he was second to the football.
The 177cm footballer started the match up forward and was highlighted for his pressure acts inside the Academy’s attacking half, before adapting to a role in the midfield as the game progressed.
Armstrong’s under-18 side was beaten comprehensively by 71 points, but the Kangaroos only outscored the Academy by six scoring shots, with an accurate day in front of goals compared to a not-so-accurate display from the future draftees resulting in the landslide loss.
Against the side he may play for next year, Armstrong’s comfort against seasoned, grown bodies only improved.
The 18-year-old collected 27 disposals and accrued seven clearances against Richmond’s VFL unit, laying six tackles and taking nine marks in an all-round display in the midfield.
Armstrong was arguably best on ground in the second and final showcase for his influence with possession, including a game-breaking second quarter effort where he had 12 disposals.
The Tiger-tied gun showed his potential future teammates what he can do at ground level, and while he had a few kicks askew in the field and at goal, his midfield craft impressed across the match.
The AFL Academy lost by 49 points in an improved effort compared to game one, with Armstrong’s side leading at half time and trailing by just five points with a quarter to go, before Richmond ripped the contest away in the final term.
