Proud parents Belinda and Luke Ryan knew Samson had been listed as an emergency, but got quite a shock with a surprise 'emergency' phone call from their son on Thursday.

"We've been extremely busy and I was at work and Luke was doing a CPR course at the time, but we're pretty stoked," Belinda beamed.

"I was doing CPR, I was trying to revive a mannequin," Luke said with a laugh after getting the call from Samson.

"You've worked hard for it mate, enjoy it. Hey, kick it through the two big sticks," he said.

Speaking early on Friday morning, Belinda said she and Luke were in the car making the trip to watch their son on debut.

"We're on our way, and there's quite a large contingent of support going for Samson," she said.

Belinda's parents from Merimbula are making the trip along with friends, Samson's uncle and his family from Port Macquarie are on their way as well as friends from Melbourne.

"We're all sitting together in the players section, it should be fun and it's a bit of a reunion for us all!" Belinda said.

After strong performances for the club in the VFL competition, Samson has been on the fringes of getting his maiden run - named as an emergency earlier in Perth.

"That was exciting and we were just happy that he was getting the experience in the room with the guys - he had a ball and he obviously wanted to play, but he was also just so happy to be included in it all."

The 20-year-old is developing well, and the family said it's exciting that Richmond see potential in his development.

"He's very humble and grounded, he knows where he comes from, but the Tigers see potential."

Belinda said her Mum was shocked and thrilled by the announcement.

"My Mum goes 'I wanted you to wait until your muscles were bigger!' he's got some growing and learning to do, but he's super excited to be in an elite environment."

Belinda said family and friends were thrilled for Samson and were keen to see what he could do against St Kilda in what will be potentially a wet round at the MCG.

"It will be a different element, especially against the big boys at St Kilda, but there are lots of family and friends behind him," she said.