Young Richmond midfielder Jack Ross produced the standout performance of his fledgling AFL career in yesterday’s final round draw with Hawthorn at the MCG.

Ross stepped up superbly in the absence of injured key Tiger midfielders Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin, Dion Prestia, Kane Lambert, and Shane Edwards.

The 20-year-old (he turns 21 next month) thrived on the responsibility of leading the new-look Richmond engine-room for the day.

He finished the match with 24 disposals, a team-high 11 contested possessions, a game-high six inside-50s, four clearances, three centre clearances, three rebound-50s, five marks, seven intercepts, four tackles and 448 metres gained in a top-notch performance.

Ross’ ability to stand up in tackles applied by opponents, and effectively dish the ball out to teammates, was a feature of his game over the course of the four quarters.

It has been a frustrating season for Ross, who was the medical substitute for the Tigers’ AFL team several times and didn’t play much VFL football because of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on that competition.

But the form he displayed at senior level with Richmond in the last home-and-away round of the 2021 season should provide him with a decent boost going into 2022.