Sam Lalor did the famous No. 4 Richmond guernsey proud in the blockbuster Round 1 clash with Carlton at the MCG.
Making his debut in the No. 4 – the only number to have been worn in each of the Tigers’ 13 League premierships, and most recently by triple Norm Smith Medallist superstar Dustin Martin – Lalor was highly impactful playing a mix of midfield and forward roles.
The young dynamo, playing just his 12th game of AFL football, had 16 quality disposals, nine of them contested, took four marks, one of them a spectacular high-flying grab above a pack, and kicked two team-lifting goals, to go with five inside-50s, four clearances and an impressive 450 metres gained.
Richmond coach Adem Yze lauded Lalor during his post-match press conference.
“I said it during the week it would be nice to have two Sammy Lalors. It was awesome for him to get opportunity as a pure inside mid, and when he went forward, he was really potent. So, we’ll just keep growing that, and he’ll get better at it,” Yze said.
