Richmond recruit Troy Chaplin believes he will only improve from his first game in Yellow and Black colours.

Chaplin was the only new face in the Tigers’ line-up which defeated Carlton by five points at the MCG.

Coming into the season with a limited preparation, the 27-year-old picked up 10 disposals from 70 per cent match time.

“I’ve only played five quarters leading into tonight’s game.  I’m still very rusty,” Chaplin told Roar Vision after Thursday night’s match.

“I rotated a fair bit more than what I normally would.  In my Port Adelaide days I was playing 100% game time.  They’re probably looking after me a little bit.

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“They’ll just continue to get minutes into me.  The knee is pulling up really well, so I’m looking forward to next Friday night against the Saints.”

Chaplin slotted into Richmond’s defence alongside fellow key talls Alex Rance and Ben Griffiths, and helped restrict Carlton’s tall forwards.

“I’ve probably come in as the most experienced defender…it’s great to be involved with such a young, talented backline,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to playing with those guys.  It’s really exciting times ahead.”

Chaplin described his first experience hearing the impact of the Richmond fans was “amazing”.

“The boys would always tell me how good the Tiger Army was, but finally getting out there, playing in front of them and hearing them, was amazing,” he said.

“The atmosphere was just unbelievable tonight, and I can’t wait to keep playing in front of them.”