Talented Tiger cub Ben Lennon is capitalising on the opportunity that he received when recalled to Richmond’s senior side a month ago.
Lennon lined up for just his second AFL game this season (and his first since Round 5) in the Tigers’ Round 16 clash with St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.
He kicked three goals in a promising display that day and has continued to show impressive development at the game’s highest level since then playing a high half-forward role.
The 20-year-old picked up a league career-high 22 disposals in last Sunday’s win against Gold Coast at the MCG and took a career-high nine marks.
“I didn’t kick any goals, but it was good to get a bit of the ball and play my role,” Lennon told K-Rock.
“I feel like each week I’m getting a little bit better and gaining some confidence.
“I’ve just got to keep on working hard, and work with my coaches on the deficiencies in my game.”
Lennon was candid when asked what those deficiencies are . . .
“Definitely the defensive side of the game,” he said.
“When you don’t have the ball you’ve got to be mindful of your opponent, and that’s something I’ve had to work hard at, especially at VFL level.
“I’ve still got to get better, but I’m trying to close that gap . . .”
Lennon, who was Richmond’s first pick (No. 12 overall) in the 2013 National Draft, outlined what his aims had been going into the 2015 season.
“I just wanted to try and break into the senior side. I knew it was a pretty hard team to crack into . . . but I had to work on my defensive side and that was probably the biggest thing for me,” he said.
“Once I got that opportunity, try and play some good footy at the top, and just gain some confidence because it’s obviously a tough game.
“I feel like my form at the moment’s been reasonable. But I’ve just got to keep working hard and hopefully finish off the end of the season pretty well . . .
“I still have a long way to go, and I’m just taking it week by week.”