Veteran Richmond defender Chris Newman has given a big tick of approval to the Tigers’ new backline coach Ben Rutten.

Newman believes Rutten, who joined Richmond late last year following a distinguished 229-game career with Adelaide, is a natural for the AFL coaching ranks . . .  

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“He’s a quality person and has a really smart football brain,” Newman said.

“I think he’s really good for our group. 

“He’s very big on having a team within a team sort of thing, so the backline are very close.

“They’ve been training very hard and I think he’s set the standard really early just with what’s required and what’s expected. 

“He’s going to be a great addition to our club.”