Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has provided a glowing assessment of the Club’s first pick (No. 9 overall) in last year’s AFL national draft, talented key defender Josh Gibcus.

Gibcus, who has played 11 games in his debut season with the Tigers, is ranked No. 1 among the competition’s rising stars for one-percenters, No. 2 for marks, No. 3 for rebound-50s and No. 6 for intercepts.

He had a team-high 10 one-percenters in Richmond’s 15-point win against Carlton at the MCG last Thursday night.

“I think he’s a wonderful player,” Hardwick said.

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Round 14: Hardwick post-match

Damien Hardwick speaks to the media following the Round 14 win over Carlton.

“He’s 19 years of age. He’s getting the big jobs every week as well, which is really important.

“He’s getting beaten every now and then, but he’s going to learn some lessons.

“You can play 50 games at VFL level, but you play one game on Charlie Curnow or a Harry McKay, you’re going to learn a hell of a lot.

“So, he’s been a revelation.

“He’s only going to get better. He’ll get stronger, get a greater understanding of the game.

“But we really love what he’s bringing.”