One of the favourite sayings of legendary AFL coach Allan Jeans was: “Crisis creates opportunity”.

New Richmond coach Adem Yze is subscribing to that theory right now due to the horror injury run the Tigers are experiencing.

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Yze cited talented young Tiger midfielder Kane McAuliffe as a case in point during his press conference following the team’s 39-point loss to West Coast at Optus Stadium last Sunday.

McAuliffe showed some promising signs, in what was just his second game of AFL football (first full one after being the substitute on debut in the previous round), without shooting the lights out, finishing with 12 disposals and four score involvements.

Importantly, from Yze’s viewpoint, the opportunity provided to McAuliffe and other Tiger cubs will prove beneficial for them, and the team, in the long term.

“Realistically, it was like his first game . . . getting an opportunity to play against Elliot Yeo and Tim Kelly and getting a full game of midfield minutes,” Yze said.

“While we’re going through a bit of adversity, our younger players are getting some opportunity.

“We’ll keep giving them that opportunity.”