The emergence of Richmond’s younger brigade was one of the most pleasing aspects of Saturday’s pre-season challenge victory over Collingwood, according to coach Damien Hardwick.                         

Tiger stars Brett Deledio, Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin were instrumental in the win, however it was the performances of the Club’s lesser lights that delighted Hardwick and his coaching team.

“I thought David Astbury was terrific.  He had a great contest with Cloke and Reid – some really good quality players,” Hardwick said.

“Ben Griffiths, I thought, took another step forward.  Matthew McDonough was really good across half back, as was (Nick) Vlastuin.

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“You’re always going to get the quality out of Deledio, Martin, Cotchin – these types of players.

“It’s great for our footy club to see those guys we’ve put a lot of time and effort into finally coming to the fore.”

Hardwick also was impressed with the Club’s recent mature-age acquisitions, with former Greater Western Sydney midfielder Anthony Miles continuing his strong pre-season form.

The 21-year-old (he turns 22 this Friday) had 18 disposals (eight contested) with three clearances, after being subbed into the game for the second half.

“Both him and Matty Thomas (ex Port Adelaide) were terrific.  Probably Matty Thomas, especially early, set the scene with how we want him to go about his business,” Hardwick said.

“We subbed him off and ‘Milesy’ comes on and gives us exactly the same.

“They’re two of the reasons we brought those guys to the footy club.  They hunt the ball and they distribute it well.”

Miles and Thomas are among the Richmond rookie-list players fighting for a spot on the Club’s senior playing list for the 2014 season.