Talented Richmond youngster Ben Lennon is in good shape to build on the solid gains he made throughout his debut season of AFL football last year.

Lennon, who was the Tigers’ first pick (No. 12 overall) in the 2013 National Draft, showed promising signs in his seven senior appearances, playing across half-forward and half-back.  He also was named as an emergency for the senior side on five occasions.

Become a Richmond member for the 2015 season

The 19-year-old looked composed in a role down back against the Western Bulldogs in last Saturday’s pre-season challenge clash at the Whitten Oval, and Tiger assistant coach Brendon Lade believes he can have an impact at senior level in season 2015.

“He had a hip operation towards the end of the year and it was probably a bit worse than we thought,” Lade said on the Club’s official podcast, ‘Talking Tigers’.

“It took him a little while to get back and going again, but we’ve settled him into the backline this year and he’s been really good for us.

“He uses the ball really well and hopefully there’s a spot for him down there.”