The impressive debut in Richmond colors of tenacious, young midfielder Anthony Miles, was a major positive for the Tigers to take out of their disappointing loss to North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium last Sunday night.

Miles, who joined Richmond from Greater Western Sydney at the end of last year, via the rookie draft, had to patiently wait for his AFL opportunity to arise with the Tigers.

In the meantime, he kept racking up disposals and winning plenty of contested ball with Richmond’s VFL side.

The 22-year-old finally received his senior chance at Richmond in Sunday’s Round 12 clash with the Roos, and he made the most of it, winning 19 disposals, including a team-high 11 contested possessions and a team-high eight clearances.

“I thought he was great,” said Richmond’s coach Damien Hardwick.

“He’s a guy that works hard.  He puts his head down, which is always a positive sign for us, and gets a number of free kicks (four on Sunday) through working hard.

“We’re so pleased with what he dished up first game, and he’ll get better.”