In terms of players bursting out of the blocks at the start of an AFL season, none did it better than Richmond great Matthew Richardson.

‘Richo’ was bloody good right throughout each of the 17 seasons in his illustrious playing career with the Tigers. But his ability to produce something extra special in the opening round was particularly noteworthy, as the details below indicate . . .

1993 – didn’t make his senior league debut until Round 7 that season.

1994 – 12 disposals, 10 marks, 8 goals v Footscray, Western Oval, 3 Brownlow votes.

1995 – 10 disposals, 7 marks, 2 goals v Fremantle, MCG.

1996 – 20 disposals, 10 marks, 6 goals v Essendon, MCG.

1997 – 18 disposals, 12 marks, 2 goals v Geelong, MCG, 1 Brownlow vote.

1998 – did not play due to injury.

1999 – 8 disposals, 5 marks, 0 goals v Melbourne, MCG.

2000 – 11 disposals, 6 marks, 3 goals v Melbourne, MCG.

2001 – 12 disposals, 10 marks, 5 goals v Melbourne, MCG.

2002 – 16 disposals, 9 marks, 6 goals v Collingwood, MCG, 3 Brownlow votes.

2003 – 16 disposals, 9 marks, 1 goal (1.6) v Collingwood, MCG.

2004 – 16 disposals, 13 marks, 5 goals v Collingwood, MCG, 2 Brownlow votes

2005 – 13 disposals, 9 marks, 3 goals v Geelong, MCG.

2006 – 15 disposals, 9 marks, 0 goals v Western Bulldogs, Marvel Stadium.

2007 – 16 disposals, 10 marks, 3 goals v Carlton, MCG.

2008 – 15 disposals, 11 marks, 5 goals v Carlton, MCG, 3 Brownlow votes.

2009 – 25 disposals, 13 marks, 1 goal v Carlton, MCG.

That’s a total of 50 goals and 12 Brownlow votes from the 15 Round 1 games that Richo played in, which is mighty impressive.