In late September 2017, Ivan Soldo was omitted from Richmond’s VFL grand final side that took on and, ultimately, was narrowly beaten by Port Melbourne.

Soldo had made his AFL debut in that 2017 season, playing seven senior games overall.

Fast-forward two years, and Soldo will be an integral member of the Tigers’ team competing in the 2019 AFL Grand Final against Greater Western Sydney at the MCG.

His progress in 13 senior games with Richmond this season has been substantial.

The 204cm, 106kg, 23-year-old played a valuable role in the Tigers’ stirring 19-point, preliminary final victory over Geelong at the MCG on Friday night.

Partnering with 2017 premiership ruckman Toby Nankervis, he finished the match with 10 disposals, including five contested possessions, four marks, four intercepts, three rebound-50s, five tackles and 23 hit-outs.

Post-game, Richmond coach Damien Hardwick acknowledged Soldo’s efforts and just how far he’d come in his football development.

“Soldo’s really, really grown as a player,” Hardwick said.

“He’s playing in a Grand Final . . . I shake my head.

“But he’s become an incredible player for us, that kid.”