The honesty that has been the cornerstone of Damien Hardwick’s successful coaching tenure at Richmond was on full display in his press conference following the Tigers’ convincing 36-point victory over Hawthorn at the MCG yesterday.

When asked about premiership Tiger Brandon Ellis having re-established himself as a regular in the senior side, after spending a fair bit of time at VFL level last season, Hardwick conceded that he had focused more on negative aspects of the 25-year-old’s game, rather than the positive parts.

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Ellis, who wasn’t a member of Richmond’s Round 1 team against Carlton this year, is averaging 23.8 disposals and 6.8 marks per match in the eight games he’s played since then.

He racked up a season-high 35 disposals, took a game-high 13 marks, and exerted a considerable influence against the Hawks on Saturday. 

“He’s had some challenges, there’s no doubt,” Hardwick said.

“The great thing about Brandon, the thing I love, is he accepts the areas he’s got to get better at . . .

“I probably didn’t understand and back in his strengths enough. I was probably looking at areas of his game that are not poor, but they’re probably below in some areas.

“What I forgot as a coach, and it was really poor on my behalf, was that he’s great in a lot of areas.

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“That was on me, and to his credit he’s gone on and he’s playing some wonderful footy, because he’s playing his natural game.

“His ability to run and create, use the ball and mark, has just been really evident for me to see, which is really pleasing.”