The continued development of talented young players Reece Conca, Brandon Ellis and Nick Vlastuin will be a major factor in Richmond taking the next step in its quest for sustained success on the big football stage.

And, the Tigers’ captain Trent Cotchin is liking what he’s seeing from the trio in this regard . . .

“’Dimma’ (coach Damien Hardwick) has asked a lot of those players, to lift their game and get to a new level, and I think we’re starting to see that happen,” Cotchin said.

“Reece, we know, has a lot of talent.  I think his best game for the Club was probably on the weekend (Round 7 v Geelong).

“Not only was he winning that inside footy, but he was able to turn it into outside footy, which is something we’ve lacked in the early parts of the season.

“’Brando’ had his highest contested game (against Geelong) for, I think, this season, and probably most of his career.  So, that’s a positive sign.

“And, Nick’s just a really courageous player.  He’s playing mainly down back, but, hopefully, we’ll see him play through the midfield a little bit more through the middle part of the season and get his numbers up as well.”

Conca, 21, made his senior league debut for Richmond in 2011 and has played 59 games.

Ellis, 20, debuted with the Tigers in 2012 and has played 49 games.

Vlastuin, also 20, has played 25 games after debuting in 2013.