Richmond was back to its best in last night’s victory over Sydney at Marvel Stadium.
The Tigers accounted for the Swans by 22 points with the win made possible by their customary high-pressure game style which forced turnovers at every opportunity, much like the 2017 premiership season.
Midfielder Dion Prestia admitted it was a focus for the Tigers to get back to those harassing ways.
“I think they smashed us in clearances but it was how we were able to pressure them after that clearance,” he said on AFL Nation post-match.
“We used the ball through the corridor a lot better than what they were able to do.”
Asked which particular statistics the side values the most, Prestia maintains it is still the maniacal pressure the club has become known for in recent years.
“Ours would be our front-half turnovers. That’s really what we talked about,” he added.
“We knew they would give us an opportunity with those short kicks and we were able to expose it.
“We aren’t a high-possession team. It’s all pressure, pressure and having everyone get rewarded on the scoreboard eventually.
“The pressure from our small blokes is amazing. I still think we’re the best by a long way with our pressure.”
Damien Hardwick echoed Prestia’s sentiments in his post-game press conference.
“The pleasing thing from my point of view was the way we played,” he said.
“It looked real Richmond-like, it was incredible.
“I thought our defensive pressure early in the game was outstanding.
“Its the one thing our boys can hang their hat on. It mightn’t be your game offensively but defensively you can certainly contribute.
“I think our guys did that in spades.”
The Tigers sit 11th on the ladder with a 3-2 record ahead of Wednesday night’s Anzac Day eve clash with Melbourne at the MCG.
