Richmond captain Trent Cotchin says some simple guidelines from assistant coach Mark ‘Choco’ Williams have helped young star Dustin Martin put his house in order.

Martin is averaging 24.5 possessions per game in 2013 and the Tigers are working hard to sign the 22-year-old, who comes out of contract at the end of the season, to a new deal.

The powerful midfielder gained prominence as a second-year player in 2011, earning a third-placed finish in Richmond's Jack Dyer Medal.

In 2012, however, Martin was equal 10th in the Best and Fairest award, following a season in which he was suspended by the Tigers for two matches after missing a compulsory training session.

"Dusty knew, himself, that he had a little bit of growing up to do," Cotchin told Channel Nine's `The Footy Show' on Thursday night.

"He's put so many things in place now that keep him in check.  He's been fantastic. He's got a program.  He sits down with `Choc' (Williams).

"On his day off, it might be four different things that he needs to tick off … he's learnt that having structure in his life is a real good guidance to living the right way."

Cotchin also revealed that he has been offering advice to fellow Tiger midfield star, Brett Deledio, on how to overcome a tight tag.

Deledio is averaging 23 disposals per game in 2013, compared to 27.5 last year.

The 26-year-old dual Jack Dyer Medallist was held to 21 touches in last Sunday’s loss to Sydney.

"We speak in depth about it every week, but more so last week," Cotchin said.

"The key to beating a tag is winning your own contested footy, and he knows that's an area that he's improved in, but still can take to another level . . .

"You feel like you're out there on your own sometimes when you're being tagged, especially against the good ones.

"(Fremantle's) Ryan Crowley is one that stands out."

The Tigers (11-6) are determined to take the scalp of a team above them on the ladder, and Saturday's MCG clash with league leader Hawthorn provides them with another opportunity.