Talented, young utility player Matt McDonough has given himself every chance of gaining selection in Richmond’s side for this Saturday’s opening round clash with the Gold Coast Suns, following his fine form during the pre-season.
McDonough, who was taken by the Tigers at pick 42 overall in the 2012 AFL National Draft, has shone in a new role across half-back.
He produced his best performance of the pre-season in last Friday’s 45-point victory over Essendon at Punt Road Oval, at the ME Bank Centre, gathering 22 possessions and taking a courageous mark that brought rapturous applause from the Yellow and Black faithful.
“Matt’s got unbelievable skills,” said Richmond’s coach Damien Hardwick.
“He came here as a half-forward/full-forward type, but we tend to play those guys down back, and he’s made that position his own.
“At VFL level, he’s been a dominant player, so we hope that he can take the step this year, which frees up a Bachar Houli, Dustin Martin – those types – to rotate through . . .”
McDonough, 20, played one game for Richmond last season, making his senior league debut in the Round 21 match against Carlton at the MCG.
