SMALL forwards Tyson Stengle and Shai Bolton highlighted yesterday how much Richmond’s depth has improved when it comes to forward half pressure.

Richmond advanced to the VFL decider with a crushing 18.11 (119) to 8.6 (54) thrashing of Hawthorn's Chris Newman-coached affiliate Box Hill at Port Melbourne's Fortburn Stadium.

Stengle, in particular, was impressive with a terrific display from go-to-whoa, including a great rundown tackle in the opening minutes and four score involvements in the third quarter alone. One of those was a goal of his own after a clever Bolton handball.

The 171cm South Australian, who made his AFL debut in round 15, added a highlight-reel handball over his head to fellow rookie-listed Tiger Mabior Chol to create another goal for Jacob Ballard in the last term.

Stengle was of many Richmond players to shine, along with defensive dasher Oleg Markov (26 disposals) and perennial ball-winners Anthony Miles (34), Sam Lloyd (30), Corey Ellis (23) and Connor Menadue (21).

Forgotten ruckman Shaun Hampson outperformed fellow tall Ben Griffiths to give him the edge if the Tigers elect for extra height to support Toby Nankervis and give another marking option in attack.

Hampson had a close ruck battle with 21-year-old Hawk Marc Pittonet, but it was his strong contested marking at both ends – four for the match – that would have endeared him.

Markov, who added a goal, was close to best afield as he bids to earn his AFL spot back after Josh Caddy replaced him last week.

"We came in with the mindset to make someone else in your team better and I hope we did perform that, so it's good," Markov told Channel 7.

"(Our forward pressure) was amazing and it made our job easier down back … tackles win games."

Rookie-listed Callum Moore kicked three goals and Ben Lennon two as 15 Richmond players slotted maximum points.

The Tigers, who had 19 AFL-listed players compared to Box Hill's 11, set the win up with a six-goal-to-none opening term, with Miles (nine possessions) and Lloyd and Markov (eight each) pivotal in the hot start.

Pittonet and promising teenager Oliver Hanrahan, who was especially good in the opening half, were Hawthorn's best contributors.