Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has given a big tick of approval to talented Tiger teenager Daniel Rioli for the progress he’s shown throughout his debut season of AFL football.

Although, statistically, Rioli’s numbers haven’t been substantial, it’s the way he’s gone about his football that’s particularly pleased Hardwick.

“He’s really starting to find his feet . . . he’s been incredibly impressive,” Hardwick said on this week’s edition of ‘Dimma’s Dissection’.

“His GPS numbers are through the roof.  Defensively, which is one of the areas you normally have to teach a young player, he’s very, very good.

“We’re very lucky in a way that he can do these things naturally. 

“His ability to win the contested ball is something we’ve been really happy with. 

“We’re just trying to get him a few easier possessions along the way . . . We’re just not quite getting the reward for him on the outside. 

“Once that comes, he’s going to be a really damaging player for us. 

“So we’re really excited by his progression thus far. 

“He’s only 11 games or so (13 in total) into his (AFL) career, but he’s going to be an exciting prospect for us going forward, especially when he gets some more training under his belt . . .  Good signs so far, and we look forward to him building on that.”