Coulthard lively on debut in Tigers thrilling victory

Jackson Clark Published July 24, 2023 at 11.30am (AWST)

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Tigers debutant Matt Coulthard celebrates Richmond's one point victory over Hawthorn alongside teammate Marlion Pickett. (Image: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Debutant Matt Coulthard produced a handful of lively moments in Richmond's thrilling come from behind win over Hawthorn on Saturday.

After starting as the Tigers' substitute, Coulthard was injected into the game during the third quarter and finished with seven disposals and multiple score involvements.

Richmond overcame a 30-point three quarter time deficit to defeat the Hawks 14.12 (96) to 15.5 (95) at the MCG.

Coulthard joined the Tigers from SANFL club Woodville West Torrens after being selected in this year's AFL Mid-Season Draft.

The speedy small forward has played six games for the Tigers at VFL level, averaging 11 disposals per game and impressing with his agility and football IQ.

He told Richmond Media making his AFL debut was an 'unreal' experience.

"Waiting on the bench for three quarters, it was just more exciting than ever," Coulthard told richmondfc.com.au.

"And then finally coming on, it just felt so unreal. The crowd was unbelievable as soon as I started.

Coulthard had seven disposals in the Tigers nail biting victory. (Image: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

"It finally sunk in last night when I was thinking about it. Only six months ago I was struggling to play SANFL and now I'm here, it's been a journey."

Coulthard was involved in a dashing run down the ground, which included linking up with Richmond champions Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin.

He set up another goal for Dustin Martin in the fourth term after receiving a handball from Tim Taranto.

The 22-year-old said he received advice from the Tigers' other Indigenous players out there – Marlion Pickett, Daniel Rioli, Shai Bolton and Rhyan Mansell.

"They just told me to play my style, play my game. They back me in no matter what so they've been great support.

"At the end of the day that is all it was, that's what they got me in for, to use my speed and what not."

Richmond interim coach Andrew McQualter told media after the match that he was 'rapt' for Coulthard.

"I'm just rapt for him. They took (Denver) Grainger-Barras off, so we took (Tyler) Young out of the game as a tactical substitution," McQualter said.

"Matty showed us what we've seen at VFL in the past five weeks. His run and work rate, he really connected our forwards a few times. He really gave our players some energy coming on, as well."