Steely Green was a major positive for Richmond in the Round 18 loss to Greater Western Sydney at the MCG.
The 20-year-old small forward, playing just his third game of AFL football, booted a team-high three goals in a lively display.
He had returned to the Tigers’ senior side for the clash with the Giants after making his AFL debut in the Round 10 match against Brisbane at the Gabba and then playing in the ‘Dreamtime at the ‘G’ game the following round.
Late in the second quarter on Sunday, Green scored his first goal in AFL football after taking a strong mark at the Punt Road end of the ground and kicking truly from the set shot.
“I just tried to stick to my routine. I was getting a bit distracted with the crowd and everything, but I managed to kick it flush. So, it was a good feeling,” Green told Richmond Media in a post-match interview.
Green’s delighted teammates swarmed over him after the goal to offer their congratulations.
“It was awesome, something I’ll never forget . . . super happy for that,” he said.
His two other goals came in the last quarter at the Punt Road end with the Tigers surging.
“I was just lucky enough to get on the end of them . . . it was just good to finish off the hard work (of his teammates),” he said.
Green has worked closely with the Club’s development coach and triple premiership Tiger Kane Lambert on building self-belief and simplifying his approach to playing at the game’s highest level.
“A lot of mental stuff to keep me in the game and keep me focused, which I thought I was pretty good with today,” he said.
“I think my first couple of games I was too stressed out and too nervous. Now it’s just back to the basics of playing footy.
“So, it’s what I love and what I need to do more often . . . just trust the process and let it all happen . . .
“I definitely want to stay in the side for the rest of the year and see what I can put together.”
Richmond coach Adem Yze commended Green during his post-match press conference.
“Steely had been in really good form at VFL level, so he really deserved his opportunity today and it was great to see him hit the scoreboard . . . He gives us a lot of energy and pressure,” Yze said.
