Richmond’s gun, mature-age midfield recruit, Dion Prestia, is running into top form at the business end of season 2017.
Prestia, who joined the Tigers from Gold Coast during last year’s trade period, was restricted to light duties in the pre-season as he recovered from knee surgery.
Slowly, but surely throughout this season, he has gathered momentum.
Across the final four home-and-away rounds, he averaged 26.5 disposals, 12 contested possessions, nearly six clearances, and just over six tackles per match.
In the Tigers’ 41-point win against St Kilda at the MCG last Sunday, Prestia finished with 23 disposals, 12 contested possessions, seven clearances, four inside-50s, and kicked two goals.
“Dion was really good on the weekend, particularly in the first half when they set up the win. I thought he and ‘Dusty’ (Dustin Martin) were the prime movers through the midfield,” Richmond great Matthew Richardson said on this week’s episode of the Club’s official podcast ‘Talking Tigers’.
“His form is on the right curve at the right time . . .
“I don’t know how much training he did over the summer . . . but I heard he was limited and that hurts.
“I think now he’s got the run in his legs and some continuity into his body. And he just looks really composed and tidy with the ball now . . . sharp. His ball use is really good.
“On the weekend again, he kicked a couple of goals and had 12 contested possessions . . .
“Winning that hard ball gives Dusty and ‘Cotch’ (Trent Cotchin) a real chop-out in the middle of the ground.
“So he’s playing his best footy at the right time, which is great.”
