Sam Grlj made an impressive debut for Richmond in the Round 1 blockbuster against Carlton at the MCG, much to the delight of the Tiger Army and his coach Adem Yze.

The slick, quick, rebounding defender finished with 19 disposals, at 89.5% efficiency, seven marks, three inside-50s, five rebound-50s, five score involvements, five intercepts, four tackles and 369 metres gained.

“Sammy Grlj is really exciting for our footy club. He just belongs on an AFL field. And he’ll just get better and better,” Yze said in his post-match press conference.

“He had a couple of moments where it was really exciting, a couple of moments where he’ll know he’d like those back. But for a first-gamer, he looked so composed, and we’re really proud of him.

“I’ve known Sammy for a few years and watched him come through the under 18s. So, there was high talent there, but his work rate...he’s so diligent.

“He’s a hard worker not only on the field, but in the gym, and he just wants to get better. He’s in early every day (at the Club).

“I knew what he could do with the ball, but he’s earned the respect of his teammates with what he’s doing off the ball.

“His willingness to defend and fight to the death, for a young guy, is as good as I’ve seen...we’re just scratching the surface (with him).

“He’s played against his old team that he used to barrack for today, his head would have been spinning, but it was amazing how calm he looked with the ball. 

“We’ll give him a licence to just keep going at the game and play to his strengths. 

“It was really exciting for our footy club to see him in his first game.”