Key Richmond playmaker Brett Deledio is striving to emulate former Geelong star Steve Johnson’s consistently high level of performance as a high half-forward.
And, he’s making a pretty decent fist of it, too, early on in the role.
Deledio finished third in the Tigers’ Best and Fairest this year, despite missing five games due to injury.
He was one of the precious few players in the competition (Steve Johnson also was among this elite group) to average more than 20 disposals and a goal a game.
The 28-year veteran of 232 league games averaged 21.6 disposals per game and kicked 27 goals in season 2015.
“I started to play that role late last year, as that half-forward coming up the ground . . . spending probably 20-30 percent in the midfield, going into the centre bounces, but then shooting forward,” Deledio told ‘Roar Vision’ on Jack Dyer Medal night earlier this week.
“I was looking at Stevie J. (Steve Johnson). I’m interested in his numbers and how he plays the game . . .
“He is a great example. He’s been one of the best high half-forwards of the last five, six, even 10 years.
Total Tiger focus on taking next step
“These days you’ve got to have those different strings to your bow, and we’re trying to develop a lot of different players to go through that half-forward/midfield role.
“So, that’s our challenge for next year going forward – to make sure we’re not just one dimensional, because that’s what the good sides do.”
