Brandon Ellis had played 111 consecutive games before being omitted for the Tigers’ Round 6 clash with Collingwood.
The midfielder was an important cog in Richmond's premiership, but found himself on the outer with the rise of younger players like Jayden Short and Jack Higgins.
He spoke of how that affected him on SEN’s Crunch Time on Saturday.
“It hurt a bit, obviously playing so many games in a row. It probably didn’t cross my mind that I’d find my way out, but I did,” Ellis said.
“I had to go back and work on some contested stuff and some aerial stuff, it probably wasn’t up to scratch and probably inconsistent.
“I went back to the VFL and I did enjoy my time there playing with the young guys.
“I just put my best foot forward every game now and really can’t take my spot for granted or get too complacent.”
Ellis will likely line-up for Richmond’s clash with the Pies this time around in what is shaping as potentially the biggest game of the season.
“We’re pretty well placed at the moment, but we’ve got some tough games at the moment including Collingwood who are in fine form and then we’ve got Geelong as well,” he said.
“It’s going to be fierce competition, but we’re looking forward to it.”