Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has paid tribute to the team’s ever-reliable defender Dylan Grimes, who has taken his game to an even higher level this season in the absence of injured Tiger and star key backman Alex Rance.

Grimes has embraced the added responsibility that’s been placed on him as a result of Rance’s long-term injury.

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He’s averaging 13.3 disposals, 6.8 intercepts, 4.8 marks and 3.1 rebound-50s per match this season and he’s ranked 14th in the competition for the unfashionable, but unselfish, team-important one-percenters.

“Dylan is really highly valued within our four walls,” Hardwick said.

“If people watch him and what he can do, how he can close space and get to a contest that he shouldn’t . . . he’s right up there with Rance.

“We always see Rance (as Batman), and Robin’s not far behind him, so to speak, with the way he plays the game.

“He’s incredibly important to us.

“Great human and great player.”