A boost in talent stocks has been a major factor in Richmond pushing up into fourth place on the league ladder at the midway mark of season 2017, according to coach Damien Hardwick.

While fully aware the pressure will increase throughout the second half of what’s regarded as the most even AFL season in years, Hardwick believes the Tigers are now better equipped to deal with whatever confronts them.

Be there as Saturday arvo footy returns to the ‘G this week when the Tigers host Sydney

“We’ve got some more pawns to play with, which is exciting for our footy club. And we’ve still got some players we think can come back and add to that . . . Nick Vlastuin’s probably another week away (recovering from a shoulder injury), but he can add to that mix,” Hardwick said.

“The addition of (Dion) Prestia and (Josh) Caddy and these types of players has helped, together with the improvement of players such as Dan Butler, Jason Castagna and Connor Menadue . . .

“We’ve added talent around that, but it’s certainly been developed from within as well.

“So we’re really excited about where we’re placed.

“We know our best footy’s in front of us. We’ve got a long way to go, but we know we’re relatively competitive most weeks . . .

“We put that 7-4 (win-loss ratio) in the bank and we move forward with the second part of the season.

“The game doesn’t know where you’re at. It just provides an opposition every week, and our job is to beat that upcoming opponent. And none tougher than an in-form Sydney side on the ‘G’ this week.

“We’re looking forward to our fans getting out there, providing the support we need, and if we play our best, we’ll get over the line.”