A knee injury sustained in the pre-season may prove to be a blessing in disguise for Richmond’s first pick in last year’s National Draft, Ben Lennon, who will make his senior league debut against Melbourne at the MCG tomorrow (Saturday, May 17).

Lennon was sidelined for several weeks with the knee problem and, when he returned to the playing field, via the VFL, he was used in a different role to what he’d been used to throughout his impressive junior football career at both suburban club Macleod and TAC Cup team the Northern Knights.

The 18-year-old, who had played predominantly as a half-forward and through the midfield, was placed across half-back in Richmond’s VFL team.

Be there to say thank you to Tommy Hafey, buy your tickets to the game.

It didn’t take him long to adapt to his new role and now, following several eye-catching performances with the Tiger ‘twos’, he’s been given a senior opportunity.

“He’s a terrific talent, but he’s had to work on his game,” said Richmond’s coach Damien Hardwick.

“He probably would have been in the picture come Round 1, but he hurt his knee in a NAB Cup game.

“So, he’s had to go back and learn a few things defensively.

“We like the ability for him to play back and forward.  He’s an uncanny goalsneak as well, good mark, outstanding kick.

“He’s going to be a good player for us for a long period of time.

“Defensively is an area where most kids come in and they’re a little bit lax.  Ben was no different to that and he certainly learned a few things down back that will hold him in good stead for this week’s game.”