North Melbourne premiership winner and media personality David King has branded a young Blues midfielder the next Sam Mitchell.
Zac Fisher, who is just 19 years of age, was the underrated star against the Tigers, finishing with 21 disposals and a goal, and gifting the Blues some run on the outside.
“Zac Fisher’s got this deft touch by foot, he can cut you in half by kicking the ball 20 meters it’s a little bit like Sam Mitchell used to do,” King told SEN's Whateley on Monday.
“This kid is going to be a star, he’s only a lightweight, but he’s going to be a ripper.”
The Blues raced out of the blocks early in the opening game of the season, piling on five unanswered goals to lead the reigning premiers, 30-1 early in the first quarter.
Yet, while the Blues were unable to hold on, King has praised the team's effort to begin 2018.
“They were in a winning position for the bulk of the night, they hung in, but when the moments were there they didn’t quite take them," King said.
“The win by Richmond has been undersold, the Blues were fantastic.
“They’re making a lot of right decisions and we just have to accept they’re a team learning how to win, but they did kick 15 goals so it’s a big start.”
The Blues will face Gold Coast at Etihad Stadium this weekend, to hopefully open their account.