It’s not in Anthony Miles’ nature to take anything for granted when it comes to his football.

Miles was a revelation in Richmond’s midfield throughout the second half of the 2014 season, after finally breaking into the Tigers’ senior line-up in Round 12.

Notwithstanding the huge gains Miles made in his first season at Tigerland last year, he remains determined to take his game to an even higher level in 2015.

“I think I still had some deficiencies in my game,” Miles said.

 “I feel I’m running a lot better this year and I think the main thing for me was to continue to work on what put me in good stead last year as well – being clean below my knees and things like that. 

“So, just continue to work on those and hopefully that puts me in good stead come Round 1.”

With Richmond taking such a young, inexperienced side into last Saturday’s opening round pre-season competition clash with the Western Bulldogs, there was added responsibility on Miles to perform well, which he duly did.

The mature 22-year-old was the Tigers’ leading possession-winner on the day, with 23 touches, including five clearances in trademark tenacious style.

“I was reasonably happy,” Miles said.

 “It was a bit of a different look in the midfield without ‘Cotchy’ (Trent Cotchin) and Dustin (Martin), so I suppose I felt I had to step up a little bit . . .

“It’s just always good to get the first one (pre-season game) out of the way and get a game under my belt.”