In the fourth part of a new off-season series on richmondfc.com.au, Richmond’s VFL coach Tim Clarke provides an exclusive assessment of the 2013 form and future prospects of young Tiger midfielder Matt Arnot.

Matt Arnot profile

Born:  21/10/93

Height:  180cm

Weight:  86kg

Recruited from:  Vermont (Vic)/Oakleigh Chargers TAC Cup team

Draft history:  Selected by Richmond at pick 55 overall in the 2011 National Draft

AFL debut:  Round 14, 2013 v St Kilda, MCG

AFL games:  4

Goals:  1

 

Tim Clarke says:  “Matty was great to work with.

“When I first got here, I didn’t know how to take him – he’s a pretty confident kid – but as the year went on, Mark (‘Choco’) Williams did some great work with him and got some of that out of his game.

“He gave away a lot of ‘50s’ (50-metre penalties) early in the year and, as a coach, that’s quite frustrating.

“But his output as a player was terrific.

“He’d have 5-8 tackles a game, he was getting 25-30 touches, and that’s really where his game improved this year.

“He got a lot more of the ball and he had a lot more involvement.

“So, I can really see Matty having an impact at senior level next year, if he can keep aggressive side to him in check.

“That drive is going to make him be successful, but you’ve also got to control it.  You can’t go overboard . . .”