Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has acclaimed exciting, young prospect Sydney Stack, who made his AFL debut with the Tigers in last Saturday’s match against Greater Western Sydney at Giants Stadium.
The 18-year-old recruit from Western Australia had 17 disposals, took eight marks and kicked a goal in an extremely impressive first-up performance at the game’s highest level.
Stack showed his trademark toughness throughout the match, as well as fierce determination, excellent composure and a silky skills set.
“He was terrific,” Hardwick said.
“We’ve always known that this kid could play . . . We probably picked him tonight on a little bit of a speculative buy, but the reality was, he was fantastic.
“Some of the things that he did . . . he’s very clean with the ball in hand, makes terrific decisions, and he’s powerful and strong.
“He’s got to understand that he’s got to continue to work hard and continue to work on his craft, but we think we’ve found a player.
“And that’s what presents itself in these times of player loss.
“We lose Jayden Short tonight (dislocated elbow) and Trent (Cotchin) with a hamstring, but it gives two more players an opportunity to step up and play some games for the Richmond Footy Club.
“So that’s what we’ve got to look forward to in the coming weeks . . . Opportunities will come.”
