Sam Lalor provided big bang for buck in Richmond’s spirited 11-point victory over West Coast in the Round 21 clash at the MCG.

The Tigers young gun, in his third game back from three months on the sidelines with a partial Achilles tear, exerted a significant influence throughout the tight contest, despite not getting a heap of the ball.

He finished the match with 13 disposals, six contested possessions, four marks, a game-high and AFL career-high three goals, seven score involvements, four tackles and 351 metres gained.

The last of Lalor’s goals was a brilliant one that underlined his special combination of brute strength and silky skills, and it sealed the result for Richmond, much to the raucous delight of the Tiger Army.

He also took a couple of superb high marks that had yellow and black barrackers in raptures.

Lalor, who turns 20 late this month, has kicked 13 goals in his 10 games this season and he’s currently equal fourth on the Tigers’ goalkicking list.

Post-match, Lalor told Fox Footy that his long injury lay-off had been a blessing disguise for him.

“I just learned to be more of a professional, learned a lot about myself as a person, and learned that footy’s not everything...I’ve taken some great lesson from it,” he said.

Lalor also expressed his delight at being able play alongside Richmond’s other exciting, young players after such an injury-interrupted time.

“We’re finally playing a few games together as a young group...it’s been great to get out here, play games together, and we’re bonding really well as a group,” he said.