Mabior Chol continues to impress in his forward/relief ruck role within Richmond’s line-up.
Although Chol’s statistical numbers have been relatively modest, he has impacted due to his leap, athleticism and skill set.
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The 199cm, 22-year-old was a valuable contributor for the Tigers in their 32-point victory over Collingwood at the MCG last Friday night through his ability to jump high at the centre bounces and compete with star Magpie ruckman Brodie Grundy around the ground.
Chol, who was selected for just his second senior game with Richmond, and his first since 2016, in the Round 13 match against Adelaide just before the mid-season bye, is thriving at AFL level.
“I’m absolutely loving it. I’ve just been waiting for my opportunity and I think I’ve been taking it pretty well,” Chol told Channel Seven’s Brian Taylor in a post-match interview.
He outlined what Tigers coach Damien Hardwick had told him he needed to work on in order to maintain his place in the side.
“My contest work and my second and third efforts. And then just play to my strengths with my speed and my agility,” he said.
Chol particularly enjoyed the atmosphere provided by the crowd of 78,722 that attended last Friday night’s MCG blockbuster.
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“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, especially after last year missing out, not playing any (senior) games, watching the boys run out in front of a big crowd,” he said.
“I was like, yep, I want to do that. And I had the opportunity today and absolutely loved it.
“It was unreal.”
