Right from the outset of his AFL career with Richmond, Nick Vlastuin has been highly regarded.
Vlastuin, who was the Tigers’ first pick (No. 9 overall) in the 2012 national draft, made his senior debut in Round 5 of the 2013 season against Fremantle at Domain Stadium.
Many of the football qualities which have made Vlastuin such an integral member of Richmond’s line-up throughout his 199 games, were on display that late April night in Perth.
Richmond great Matthew Richardson was extremely impressed with what he saw from the then 19-year-old Northern Knights recruit in his inaugural appearance at the game’s highest level.
“All Tiger eyes were on the Club’s first pick in the 2012 AFL national draft in his debut AFL match – and he certainly didn’t disappoint,” Richardson wrote on the Club’s website.
“Vlastuin looked composed, and he did the basics well, which I think is a really good sign first-up.
“Of the 11 possessions he picked up, five were contested, he applied four strong tackles, which is a trademark of his game, and he took the right options at the right times.
“He also showed fine courage going back with the flight of the ball and looked mature beyond his years out on the field of battle.”
Vlastuin played 18 games in his 2013 debut season of AFL football and won the Cosgrove-Jenkins award as Richmond’s best first-year player.
A decade on, with Vlastuin preparing for his 200-game milestone in Saturday night’s Dreamtime at the ‘G’ blockbuster, the influence he exerts across the Tigers’ backline remains significant.
With his composure, courage, elite interception ability, smart decision making and extremely efficient disposal, Vlastuin is one of Richmond’s most consistent, and important, players.
And the triple premiership Tiger undoubtedly is one of the best defenders in the competition.
Vlastuin will become the 34th player to chalk up 200 games with Richmond.
