Ricky Petterd’s Richmond debut came a week later than expected, but it was well worth the wait.

After working his way into contention for the Tigers’ season-opener against Carlton last week, the former Demon was forced to sit out with groin soreness.

On Friday night against St Kilda, Petterd made a brilliant start to his Tigerland career, picking up 20 disposals and taking eight marks in his new-found role across half back.

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“I loved it.  The first week I got here they put me down back, and I found it as a challenge,” Petterd told Roar Vision after the match.

“The coaches put a lot of confidence in me, which gave me confidence, and to play with those boys down back just lifts me up.”

Petterd had a similar feeling to fellow new Richmond defender, Troy Chaplin, who described his first game in front of the Tiger Army as “amazing”.

“In that last five or 10 minutes, it really felt like there was another man out there for us,” Petterd said.

“In the past I haven’t had the biggest crowds, but to come out in front of that was amazing.

“I probably carried on a bit when the siren went, but I was just over the moon.”

Petterd said the mood in the Richmond camp was buoyant after a 2-0 start to the season, but with the Tigers not playing to the best of their ability in either match, there is plenty to improve on.

“Confidence is high, but we understand how hard we had to work to get those wins,” he said.

“Some days are going to come easier than others, and other days are going to be hard.  We have to follow Dimma’s process, and we know if we do that it’ll hold us in good stead.”