Richmond defender Steven Morris attributes his outstanding first season at Tigerland to the previous experience of playing at senior level.
Morris has played in every game for Richmond this year, regularly shutting down the opposition’s most dangerous small forwards.
He has also been impressive as a rebounding defender, averaging 16 disposals per game.
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Morris was recruited from West Adelaide in the SANFL, where he played four seasons in the seniors.
“It helps coming from a senior background,” Morris told Roar Vision.
“I’ve played against bigger bodies before, and I was used to playing against those big bodies week in, week out.
“I think it stands you in good stead, and I think it’s shown through the fact that I’ve been able to play most games this year.”
Morris is the latest in an increasingly long line of successful recruits for the Tigers in recent years, along with Shaun Grigg, Bachar Houli and Ivan Maric.
His fierce attack on the football impressed Club scouts, and has endeared him to Richmond’s army of fans this season.
“I like to be hard at the footy and uncompromising in the way I go about it,” he said.
“I suppose that comes from the fact that it’s a strength of my game, and I need to play to my strengths.
“Obviously I’ve got areas of weakness I need to work on, but it’s something I can use to my advantage.”
The 23-year-old recalls running out in his first game for Richmond, against Carlton in front of 78,000 fans in Round 1, and his one-and-only goal to date, in Round 9 against Hawthorn, as his highlights of his debut season in the AFL.
“It’s a great club to be at. The environment and atmosphere is excellent. I think the feeling around the club is one of genuine excitement because we know we’re heading in the right direction,” he said.
“It’s a matter of turning those close losses into wins, and if we can do that, the Club’s in a really strong position.”
To watch the full interview with Steven Morris, click on the video player above.
