Richmond midfielder Jack Ross produced the best performance of his AFL career in the Tigers’ stirring Round 1 victory over Carlton at the MCG.
Ross, playing his 71st game since debuting in 2019, was a major catalyst in Richmond’s remarkable comeback after it trailed by 41 points during the second quarter.
He finished the match with an equal AFL career-high 28 disposals, 11 contested possessions, five marks, an equal team-high six inside-50s, an AFL career-high seven clearances, four rebound-50s, an equal AFL-high two goals, six score involvements and a game-high/AFL career-high 591 metres gained.
The 24-year-old had a frustrating 2024 season, managing to play only seven games because of a foot stress fracture.
But he has burst out of the blocks this season and shapes as a key member of a young Tigers team due to his relative experience, big body, running ability and skill set.
Richmond coach Adem Yze paid tribute to Ross in his post-match press conference last night.
“He hasn’t had the success of a few of our older boys . . . He’s missed a lot of footy. He was on the sidelines last year after Round 5. He was so important for us in the early part of the year, and we know the type of character he is,” Yze said.
“He’s not in our leadership group, but he’s a leader around our footy club and it won’t be long before he is in there.
“He’s a powerful man and a really good teammate. Our boys love him.”
