Richmond debutant Kamdyn McIntosh capped off a dream week by earning the first Rising Star nomination for season 2015.
The recently turned 21-year-old collected 23 disposals, took nine marks and kicked a goal in the Tigers’ drubbing of Carlton in the season opener on Thursday night.
The athletic winger was close to best on ground, booting a crucial goal when the Blues had the upper hand mid-way through the second quarter and on another occasion dashing down the wing and taking five bounces.
“we always knew we had a player. He’s been three years in the making but his ability to work from contest to contest was very good” – Damien Hardwick
McIntosh was drafted with pick 31 in the 2012 National Draft, but a shoulder injury ruined the second half of his first season before foot stress fractures took their toll in 2014.
With a full pre-season behind him, McIntosh was praised by coach Damien Hardwick for his efforts during his first AFL match.
“He was very good, we always knew we had a player. He’s been three years in the making and he’s been in the system a long time but his ability to work from contest to contest was very good,” Hardwick said post-game.
“He’s still got a long way to go, don’t get me wrong, and there’s still some things in his game he can improve on but overall we can tick that box and we’re pretty happy with him.”
McIntosh – the third of nine children, hailing from the West Australian town of Pinjarra – is the Tigers’ 31st Rising Star nomination in the award’s 22-year history, with Brett Deledio being the club’s sole winner in 2005.
He is also the seventh Tiger to be nominated since Damien Hardwick began coaching the club in 2010.
Congrats to Kamdyn McIntosh – the round 1 AFL Rising Star nominee after his 23-disposal, nine-mark, one-goal effort in the win over Carlton
— Richmond FC 🐯 (@Richmond_FC) April 6, 2015