No.1 Draft Pick Sam Lalor has been recognised as the Round 1 AFL Rising Star nominee, after his unforgettable debut against Carlton at the MCG.

The 18-year-old impressed with 18 disposals, two goals and eight score involvements in the Tigers’ come-from-behind 13-point victory on Thursday night.

And those goals, alongside two solid marks and professional ball use, lit up the MCG in spectacular fashion.

But it was the second major of Lalor’s night – and career – that changed the course of the match.

After being 41 points down against a firing Carlton outfit, it was Lalor’s fourth quarter goal on the run from 35 metres out that put Richmond in front, for the first time all night.

It sure was a night to remember, with a humble Lalor recounting the feeling on the MCG.

“I’m happy to get the Rising Star for this week. It was a really special game to be a part of,” Lalor said.

“It was electrifying. Never played in front of a crowd nearly as big as that. The Tiger Army were awesome. Hopefully we can see them throughout the year a lot more.”

The teenager also paid tribute to his support network who flocked to his debut match in full force.

MATCH-WORN GUERNSEY AUCTION | Bid on Sam Lalor's historic debut Richmond guernsey, along with our other Round 1 debutants, Luke Trainor and Harry Armstrong

“It was really special, to see them in the rooms after the game and to be around them and share those moments with them, (they’ve been there) through the hard times and the good times,” Lalor said.

“I was really grateful for that, and they loved it, too.”

The midfielder already looks comfortable on the big stage, but declared the collective work has just begun, with focus firmly shifted to Round 2 against Port Adelaide.

“We’ve obviously reviewed the game pretty harshly, because there were some factors that we didn’t do too well in,” he said.

“I think just being consistent over four quarters. We didn’t start the way we wanted to.

“The (positive) thing I do take away was probably our pressure, our forward pressure and pressure all over the ground. It was elite, hopefully we bring that again.”

Lalor was drafted by Richmond in 2024 with Pick 1, hailing from Bacchus Marsh.

He suffered a fractured jaw in the Tigers’ pre-season hit out against West Coast, with concerns around his availability leading into Round 1, before his recovery efforts on the training track proved his fitness.

The young star starred for the GWV Rebels and Vic Country last season, earning a quick debut in the first game of Richmond’s 2025 campaign.