The potency of Richmond’s star midfielders, when pushing forward, shapes as a key weapon for the Tigers in 2014.

Captain Trent Cotchin provided a tantalising taste of what Yellow and Black barrackers could look forward to this season, with a decisive four-goal display in the team’s 48-point victory over Collingwood in last Saturday’s pre-season challenge match at Wangaratta.

Cotchin managed to score only six goals last season, following a healthy return of 21 goals in 2012.

Vice-captain Brett Deledio, who booted two goals against the Magpies on Saturday, also was down on his goal output in 2013, with 10, after a total of 17 in the 2012 season.

Dustin Martin, who has been used in a different role across half-back during the pre-season, finished with 23 goals in both 2012 and 2013.

“With Dustin off half-back and Cotchin off half-back at various stages and up forward as well, it just creates flexibility for our side,” said Richmond’s coach Damien Hardwick.

“It’s something we probably didn’t exploit as much last year, and we’ll be looking to do a little bit more of that.

“He (Cotchin) is such a valuable one-on-one player, as is Deledio. 

“They’re really hard guys to match up on, so we’ve just got to make sure we can continue to give them the chance of actually pushing forward.”