New Fremantle recruit Darcy Tucker impressed in his first game for Freo, contributing admirably to the team’s 60-point win against Richmond in the first round of the NAB Challenge.
Tucker looked composed and gathered 21 disposals in his first appearance for the club, but insisted he had room for improvement.
“I probably have to improve my kicking,” Tucker said.
“Coming into my first game I probably wasn’t as confident, so I’ve got to learn to just back myself in.”
Tucker said his first experience of AFL was eye-opening but provided a perfect situation to learn from.
“I’m younger, so the bigger bodies and quickness of the game was a big step up for me,” he said.
“I learned a lot from it and now I just have to keep going at training and continue to work hard to hopefully get another opportunity.”
Adjusting the demands of senior football will take time for Tucker, but the talented first year player didn’t let first impressions alter his enthusiasm following the win.
“It was really great fun, I loved it,” he said.
“It was so good to finally get out on the park for the first time.
Ross Lyon post-match Q & A
“To be able to put into practice everything we’ve learned over the summer, all the boys did really well.
Tucker was also pleasantly surprised by some unexpected spectators at Rushton Park in Mandurah.
“Yeah, the family came over at late notice,” he said.
“They flew in last night and it was awesome seeing them.
“The effort they put in to come over from Victoria was great and I can’t thank them enough.”
