Sierra Grieves was built for the big stage.

That sentiment was true when she stepped foot on TIO Stadium for Dreamtime in Darwin last week, making her debut and leaving her mark while at it.

And for the 19-year-old, the opportunity to play at the elite level was one she took with both hands, collecting 18 disposals, five score involvements, four intercept possessions, four marks, four tackles, and a Club high 409 metres gained.

Only teammates Monique Conti (30 disposals), Ellie McKenzie (26) and Ally Dallaway (18), saw more of the ball, proving just how important the teen will become for Richmond.

But the ever-humble draftee, who was selected with pick 11 by Richmond last year, just took her first game at senior level in her stride.

"There wasn't one moment I'd highlight, it was the whole game. Being the first one of the career made it so special," Grieves said on Richmond's Moments that Make Us podcast.

"Honestly, I can't remember hearing anything. The team was around me saying, 'good job' and 'keep it up'. But the main thing I felt was the heat

Grieves’ first disposal might’ve been an unexpected left-foot kick, but it did the job and helped settle the nerves.

“I turned back to look, and I was like, 'should I go back on my right?', but I was like, 'no, I'm open here'. I just went back on my left. It wasn't the best kick, but I got it forward."

Hailing from the Western jets, the impact she has made in just mere month has been felt.

Grieves has football smarts that not many teenagers do. Balance that with the ability to read the play and bring structure to life, and you've got a player who is destined for success.

“For me, instinct comes naturally. So, if I know the structure, I just back my instincts. If I'm out of position or structure, I can always revert back to my footy to help me get the ball," she said.

“I'm a midfielder, so I naturally want to hunt the ball. A couple of times when I was in the forward line, I would switch over. That’s just learning the structure a bit more. Once I get experience in that, it will be so much easier.”

But she is modest, and knows that there is work she needs to do to have further impact.

“I think there were moments where I was probably lacking in some parts, and that's more of a mindset thing for me," Grieves said.

So how exactly did this teenager become so sure of herself and her footballing ability?

That's on the mentorship of teammate Gabby Seymour.

“One thing about Gab is that she works so hard in the gym, out on the track and doing skills," she said.

"I think the Club probably did that (made her my mentor) on purpose, to help me build those things for my footy.

That teaching from Seymour, who has played over 45 games for the Tigers, started well before Grieves debut.

“I was at Gab's one time, and we were going over the structures, and she got out a whiteboard. I was like, 'I know this is going to help me', but I just wanted to sit on the couch," Grieves shared

"I knew the structures the next day. I didn't know I could learn like that."

As for what lies ahead, both Grieves and her Tiger teammates are still in search of their first win for 2025.

But there's a belief within, that the Dreamtime loss is the inspiration the group required for a crack at the undefeated Demons this weekend.

"I walked off a bit sad, but Gab Seymour came up and told me I should be proud of myself," Grieves said.

"That made me feel so much better. It’s those little things that stick with you.”