Richmond rookie Matt Coulthard had to wait until late in the third quarter of yesterday’s clash with Hawthorn at the MCG to get an on-field opportunity after being named as the interchange tactical substitute for his AFL debut. But Coulthard hit the ground running, both figuratively and literally, playing a key role in the Tigers’ incredible last-quarter comeback. The slick, quick 22-year-old, picked up by Richmond in the mid-season rookie draft just a few weeks ago from SANFL club Glenelg, finished his brief debut appearance at the game’s highest level with seven disposals, two contested possessions, one mark, one clearance, one goal assist, three score involvements, two tackles and 169 metres gained. An elated Coulthard spoke with Richmond Media after the match about his debut. Here is what he had to say . . .
Debut summary
“I feel like waiting on the bench for three quarters was exciting, more than ever. And then finally coming on, it just felt unreal. The crowd was unbelievable, as soon as I started.”
The step up to AFL football
“Just felt like all it was, was just playing my role. At the end of the day, that’s all it was. That’s what they got me in for . . . to use my speed and what not. So, that was good.
The transition to Tigerland
“It finally sunk in last night when I was thinking about it. Only six months ago I was just struggling to play SANFL, and now I’m here. It’s been a journey.
Family advice
“They just told me to play my style, play my game. They back me in no matter what, so they’ve been great support.”
Tom Lynch’s influence
“He’s (Tom Lynch) been amazing, he’s just such an idol of mine, even before I came to the Club. To find out I was living with him, that was unreal. So, learning from him, living the same lifestyle as him, was unbelievable.”
