Kane McAuliffe produced the best performance of his fledgling AFL career in Richmond’s Round 6 loss to North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.

The 21-year-old, in his 17th senior League game, was a bright light on an overall disappointing day for the Tigers.

After playing predominantly as a wingman in his two previous senior appearances this season, McAuliffe, who was recalled to the Richmond side, relished the chance to play through the midfield against the Kangaroos.

He finished the match with an AFL career-high 23 disposals, nine contested possessions, five marks, four inside-50s, three clearances, an AFL career-high eight score involvements, five intercepts, an AFL career-high seven tackles and 395 metres gained.

It’s the type of display which showed the pre-season prediction of veteran Richmond star key forward Tom Lynch, that McAuliffe would have a breakout season in 2026, could well be on the money.

“He's been really a standout this pre-season,” Lynch said.

“He's built massively, he's fit, so he gives us something, and he can really run, so we're really excited about what he can produce this year.

“I think he's going to really have a breakout year, so it's exciting.”