Exciting Richmond prospect Tom Brown underlined his versatility in Sunday’s clash with Collingwood at the MCG.

Playing forward rather than his customary role in the backline, Brown kicked a team-high and equal game-high three goals.

The first goal he scored, which also was his inaugural one in AFL football, was a superb, set-shot six-pointer from outside the forward-50 arc at the Punt Road end of the ground.

Brown, who turns 21 today (July 30), took five marks, two of them contested, two inside 50, and provided a much-needed spark to the Tigers’ attack.

Richmond coach Adem Yze spoke about Brown’s move into the forward line during his post-match press conference.

“He’s played there in the last couple of weeks,” Yze said.

“We feel like he’s just a talented kid . . . he’s really good at footy.

“So, I knew that’s an opportunity he’d be able to take. And he’s embraced it.

“He’s been dealing a little bit with his shoulder, so we just wanted to release that pressure and give him a chance to go and try something different.

“Last week he was just as potent, but he didn’t hit the scoreboard. But he was pretty important for a lot of our scores last week.

“It was good to see him get rewarded today.”