Richmond’s fringe, depth and inexperienced players have more than helped hold the side together over the past month.
Since the likes of Dion Prestia, Bachar Houli, Shane Edwards, Toby Nankervis, Trent Cotchin (who has since returned to the side) and Josh Caddy went out of the team for various reasons, the more understated Tigers have stepped up to contribute greatly in five wins from their last six outings.
Names such as Noah Balta, Derek Eggmolesse-Smith, Mabior Chol, Jake Aarts, Marlion Pickett and Jack Ross have all played their part, but it is a trio of 2019 premiership players who have really gone to the next level.
Regularly in the shadow of the team’s better known stars, Shai Bolton, Jayden Short and Liam Baker have been significant this year. Bolton has flourished in the absence of Prestia and Edwards, moving into the midfield to average 20 disposals and five clearances in his last four games.
However, a lot of Richmond’s drive has come from defensive 50 with Short and Baker relishing their roles, as evidenced by Tuesday night’s 41-point win over Brisbane.
After starring at Metricon Stadium, Short said the enjoyment factor of playing under Damien Hardwick certainly helps those stepping into the line-up have a positive impact.
“We have had a few blokes coming out of our team but the best thing is those (fringe and depth) boys can come in and play the way they play,” Short said on AFL Nation.
“‘Dimma’ gives everyone full confidence to play their way and it’s good to see the boys doing what they do and having fun while they do it.
“Shai’s been amazing. Marlion has come in and shown us what he can do, Jack Ross was in there tonight and he’s special to watch as well. It’s good to have those boys come in.”
Short had the ball 23 times while Baker had a game-high and career-best 26 disposals with the duo having 14 rebound 50s between them.
The defensive double act was praised by AFL Nation’s Jack Heverin.
“Their running half-back players. 23 disposals and 577 metres gained for Jayden Short, Liam Baker 580 metres gained off half-back,” he said.
“They are damaging with the way that they can start from half-back and score.”
Scott Cummings was also full of adulation, labelling this group as Richmond’s “foot soldiers” who he rates as the best in the competition.
“Those players you mention there are using the ball really well by foot and they are always hitting up a clear target or putting it in a favourable position for their teammates,” the Coleman Medallist said.
“Their use is sublime.
“They are just foot soldiers these guys. I mean this with all due respect, none of these guys are ever going to be considered the elite footballers of the competition, but there are no better soldiers than these guys.
“They come in and do their job and they do it extremely well.”
Short is averaging a tick over 19 possessions this year and has momentarily jumped to the top of the metres gained leaderboard, while Baker continues to go from strength to strength as a reliable, no-frills small defender.
The Tigers are up to third on the ladder ahead of Saturday’s clash with first-placed Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.