The excellent form displayed by dependable Richmond defender Dylan Grimes throughout this season may not have attracted much attention within the wider AFL community, but inside the four walls at Tigerland he is held in extremely high regard.
Grimes, who turns 26 on July 16, is playing the best football of his league career, combining tight, disciplined defensive work, with some good rebound.
With his closing speed, composure, toughness, bravery, football ‘smarts’ and capacity to play on small and tall opponents, Grimes’ importance to Richmond’s backline is immense.
“He’s certainly not under-rated between us (playing group) and the coaches. We really value ‘Grimesy’,” key Richmond midfielder Shaun Grigg said on this week’s episode of the Club’s official podcast ‘Talking Tigers’.
“Something that changed the game (v Port Adelaide last Saturday night), I reckon, was midway through the third quarter he had a contest against two Port Adelaide players, and he went from zero to 100 in about four steps, knocked over Hamish Hartlett, picked up the ball and got it forward.”
Grimes’ continuity with his football in recent years has been a significant factor in him hitting peak form.
After making his senior debut with Richmond in the final home-and-away round of the 2010 season, Grimes subsequently missed 42 out of the Tigers’ next 68 games because of a horror injury run.
Over the past four seasons, however, he has become much more durable, which has enabled him to take his game to an impressively high level.
“He hardly misses a session at training now . . . he’s just got real confidence and belief in his own ability,” Grigg said.
“We back him every week against anyone . . . no matter who he plays against.
“He played on Robbie Gray for most of the night (against the Power) and did well.”
