Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has paid tribute to star Tiger midfielder Dion Prestia, who won the prestigious Yiooken Award as best on ground in last night’s Dreamtime at the ‘G victory over Essendon.
Prestia was superb right throughout the match, finishing with a team-high 36 disposals, 12 contested possessions, five marks, five inside-50s. an equal team-high six rebound-50s, six clearances, six intercepts, two goal assists, eight score involvements and 503 metres gained.
It was a performance that further highlighted Prestia’s standing as one of the best midfielders in the competition.
“We know whenever Dion plays, he’s an important player for us,” Hardwick said in his post-game press conference.
“He’s a player that covers the ground from contest to contest well, he uses it well, sees the game incredibly well.
“He is just so important to the way we play.”
Prestia, who has played seven games so far this season, is averaging 24.9 disposals, 10.3 contested possessions, 4.6 clearances, 3.9 inside-50s, 5.9 score involvements and 376.6 metres gained.
