Talented, young ruckman Callum Coleman-Jones gained the approval of Richmond coach Damien Hardwick following his AFL debut against Essendon in last Saturday night’s blockbuster Dreamtime at the ‘G clash.

Although Coleman-Jones struggled to combat strongly-built, veteran Bomber ruckman Tom Bellchambers at the centre bounces and stoppages, he utilised his mobility to provide the Tigers with valuable contributions around the ground.

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He finished the match with 13 disposals, including seven contested possessions, three marks, five tackles and 10 hit-outs. And he certainly didn’t look out of place at the game’s highest level.

 “Coleman-Jones is a terrific, young lad,” Hardwick said.

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“We spoke to him at the end of the game. We were really pleased with him and Noah (Balta), both second-year players, going up against a pretty experienced type of campaigner (Tom Bellchambers).

“I thought they both contributed really well.

“He’s (Coleman-Jones) going to be a really good player for us.”