The Club’s selection in the 2021 mid-season rookie draft, livewire former St Kilda forward Matthew Parker, tells Richmond Media about his transition to Tigerland.

Delighted to be a Tiger

“I’m stoked . . . it’s another opportunity. Such a great club. Obviously, I’ve seen what they’ve done in the last five years and just to be a part of Tigerland is very exciting . . . I’ve watched the Tigers succeed and I’ve love to be a part of that and hear the Tiger Army roar.”

Hard work and self-belief

“I’ve always believed in myself . . . I think getting delisted (by St Kilda at the end of the 2020 season), I kind of put a little chip on my shoulder and did the hard yards behind the scenes. The footy did a little bit of the talking, and to get picked up again is great.”

Reunited with Marlion

“Marlion, that’s my big brother . . . We’ve got a pretty close bond. He’s helped me with my footy and making me believe in myself the way I do now. To be able to go back and play on the same team again (they were previously together at WAFL club South Fremantle) is pretty special. But, also, to go and play with all the other players is pretty special as well.”

Brotherly backing

“There’s a few boys at the Tigers I know – (Daniel) Rioli, Bolton . . . just the brothers mainly. They’re all brothers. So, just to have that support there, that’s just another bonus.”

Indigenous pride

“Indigenous culture means a lot to me. Obviously, I’m Indigenous, my partner’s Indigenous, my kids are Indigenous. So, just bringing them up in the way we’ve been brought up, and showing our talent to the world, is pretty special. Being another Indigenous player at the Club following ‘Stacky’ (Sydney Stack), Bolton, ‘Marls’ (Marlion Pickett), Rioli . . . we’ve got a fair share of us, so I’m happy to be on board.”