Close-checking Richmond small defender Steven Morris echoed the sentiments of his teammates, when he declared it was great to be back playing at the MCG, in front of the passionate Tiger Army, last Thursday night against Carlton.

The crowd of 62,037 for what was a Round 2 clash, may have been a bit down on the attendance figures at the past few season-openers, and last year’s elimination final between the traditional rivals, but for Morris and co., it still produced an exhilarating feeling.

“When you walk out on to the ground and you hear the Tiger Army roar, it’s just really good to be back and playing in big games,” he said.

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“It’s always exciting, you don’t get sick of it and, hopefully, we can play in some more.

“I know that, personally, to play in front of 95,000 in that final, was the greatest experience I’ve ever had.

“So, I certainly want to get back there, and I know that many of my teammates are exactly the same . . . that’s what we strive for.”

Morris played a valuable role in Richmond’s 12-point win against Carlton last Thursday night, initially on clever small forward Jeff Garlett, before being shifted on to the dangerous Chris Yarran at three-quarter time.

Yarran, who had kicked three goals to that stage of the match, was held to just three disposals in the final term by Morris.

“Probably Yarran was having a bigger influence, so we felt that if would could curb his influence a little bit, then it’d go a long way to winning the game,” Morris said.

“I certainly didn’t have my best game, but it was good to be able to perform a role that helped the team get over the line.”