Life as a Richmond backman is made much easier because of the consistently strong defensive efforts of the team’s forwards, according to Nick Vlastuin.

The star defender acknowledged the immense impact the Tiger forwards had in last Thursday night’s qualifying final against Hawthorn at the MCG through the intense pressure they applied to their opponents across the four quarters.

“Our forwards were terrific tonight,” Vlastuin said.

“When they put their pressure on, we can have the confidence to stand in front and then try and pick off those marks.

“And if they’re not putting on pressure, hopefully we’re set up well, so the pressure can come later.

“It’s a good system.”