Richmond’s mature-age midfield recruit Adam Marcon savoured the taste of AFL football that he acquired in last Friday’s opening round NAB Challenge clash with Fremantle at Mandurah.
After missing out on selection in several AFL drafts over the years, Marcon was taken by the Tigers with their third and final pick (No. 47 overall) in the league’s rookie draft last November.
And, following an impressive pre-season, the former VFL star received his first-up opportunity at AFL level with Richmond against the Dockers last Friday.
Tiger cubs fall to Freo in Mandurah
He duly produced a decent debut performance in the Yellow and Black, finishing with 13 disposals, including three centre clearances, three inside-50 entries, plus five tackles and a goal, as the young, inexperienced Tigers’ team went down by 60 points.
“It was an extremely intense game,” Marcon told ‘Roar Vision’.
“I thought for my first hit-out I did okay, with some things to work on.
“My role was more so through the midfield as a rover, as well as changing out on the wing . . .
“It’s a great experience for a lot of us younger players to come up against what has been a top-four side for a very long time now.
“I think we all got a lot out of the game . . . We learned a lot about our own game, and we’re all going to be better off for the experience.”
The 23-year-old also benefited from an off-field perspective, by being part of the Tigers’ travelling group for last Friday’s match in WA.
“It’s great just to be around everyone . . . the support staff and the coaches,” he said.
“You just spend that extra bit of time together.
“It’s great to learn off some of the older guys about when to eat, what to eat, when to go to bed, what to do during the day.
Lade impressed by youngsters' endeavour
“So, it was definitely a great experience.”
Marcon noticed some clear on-field differences between the AFL and VFL.
“Everything’s a little bit quicker, you’ve got a little bit less time with the ball, and obviously the blokes you’re playing on are that bit better as well,” he said.
“Hopefully it’s not going to take me too long to adjust . . .
“I’m extremely grateful for the experience and, hopefully, I might get another one next week.”
