Josh Caddy further underlined his value to the Richmond side with a top-class performance in last Thursday night’s season-opener against Carlton.

Caddy played his forward/midfield role to perfection. He had 19 disposals, including 11 contested possessions, an equal game-high eight inside-50s, four clearances, six score involvements, 42 pressure points, 425 metres gained, took five marks and booted three goals.

Triple Geelong premiership star and now respected football commentator Cameron Ling was suitably impressed by Caddy’s valuable contribution to the Tigers’ 26-point win.

“He wants to spend more time in the midfield, and when he does he has an impact . . . had the 19 possessions tonight. But he embraces the fact that he’s required in that forward line, as part of that really mobile forward line they do have,” Ling said post-match on Channel Seven.

“He’s almost, I suppose, along with (Jacob) Townsend, their next marking option, with Jack Riewoldt.

“He embraces that role, does it well when he’s there, and then has his time in the midfield.”