Sam Darley has been quick to make an impression at Richmond.

The Former Greater Western Sydney and Western Bulldogs defender was appointed the Tigers' VFL captain in his debut season at the Club.

The 23-year-old said it was an honour to lead Richmond’s VFL side this year.

“It was a bit of a surprise, I didn’t really expect it,” Darley said.

 “For me this year I want to improve as a footballer and hopefully to get drafted again. To be a part of a Club like Richmond is exciting and the captaincy is an added bonus.”

Darley first got a taste for top-flight football as a 17-year-old, when he was drafted to Giants.

He went on to play 13 AFL matches for Greater Western Sydney from 2012-13, before being traded to the Western Bulldogs for the 2014 season.

He made seven senior appearances in a two-year stint with the Dogs, which included a VFL premiership in his first year in red, white and blue.

“I was disappointed (to be delisted) of course but speaking to (Richmond VFL coach) Craig McRae, I guess my hunger to improve and get better was what really drove me to come and play footy here this year,” he said.

Darley, who grew up in Hobart, has quickly found his feet at Richmond.

He used one word to sum up the Club’s VFL pre-season – tough.

“I actually think this has been my toughest pre-season and AFL included, the boys worked really hard,” he said.

“I guess you’re trying to cram in an AFL type pre-season in three days a week so you’re getting smashed buy I’m enjoying it now that the games are here.”

The dynamic defender was excited to pull on his boots for the VFL Tigers’ first-round clash against reigning premier Williamstown on Sunday.

He cited his kicking, running and leadership abilities as his biggest strengths.

“I think I see the game quite well so hopefully with a young group we can really improve this year and take the club somewhere,” he said.

This Sunday’s Round 1 match against the Seagulls will be played at Burbank Oval at 2pm.