In the sixth of a new post-season series on richmondfc.com.au - the 12 things we learnt in 2012 from a Richmond perspective - Tony Greenberg looks at the instant impact Steven Morris had at Tigerland.

No.6: Steven Morris is one tough Tiger son of a gun

Steven Morris was one of the major success stories of Richmond’s 2012 season.

The 23-year-old son of dual Tiger premiership player Kevin Morris adapted superbly to the tempo of AFL football in his debut season, after spending the previous four years at SANFL club West Adelaide.

Morris averaged 16 disposals per match in his 21 games, with a season-high 23 against North Melbourne at the MCG in Round 17.

He was ranked No. 2 at the Club in the valuable category of one-percenters (73) and No. 7 for rebound-50s (37).  And, to underline the run out of the backline he provided the Tiger team with right throughout the season, Morris was ranked No. 5 at the Club for total bounces (18).

Not surprisingly, given his family ties to Tigerland, and the way he goes about his football, Steven Morris quickly endeared himself to the Yellow and Black faithful.

They reveled in the familiar sight of Morris hurling himself head-first into a pack, in a fanatical desire to win the football.

How do you rate Steven Morris in terms of Tiger toughness?

It may seem a big statement, but, pound for pound (or kilo for kilo, if you prefer), Morris is one of the toughest, bravest, most tenacious Richmond players I’ve seen in nearly 50 years of watching the Tigers in action.

He epitomises the famous “Eat ‘em Alive” spirit and, seemingly, would do anything in his power to help the Tigers win.

The fact that Morris didn’t enter AFL ranks until he was 23 years of age, has only fuelled his desire to be the best player he can be at the game’s highest level.

He is totally professional in the manner he prepares himself for competing with the Club he feels so passionately about.

“Steve’s story is one of perseverance, and he is one of the most driven individuals we have on our playing list,” said Richmond’s General Manager of Football, Craig Cameron, when it was announced that Morris had been rewarded for his sterling efforts in his debut season, with a one-year contract extension, binding him to the Club at least until the end of the 2014 season.

“We were really keen to get him to the Club and, since the day he arrived, he has been totally focused on upholding the values of the team.”

Tomorrow, find out about the player crucial to the Tigers' structure.