The consistent form displayed by young Richmond defender Jake Batchelor throughout the second half of 2014 has provided him with valuable impetus as he prepares for the 2015 season.

Batchelor, who turns 23 next week (February 13), didn’t break into the Tigers’ senior line-up until the Round 12 clash with North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, but he managed to cement his spot for the remainder of the season, on the back of a string of solid performances in the back half.

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“It was good to be able to get my way back into the team and play 13 games in-a-row.  To get that confidence in the body to know that I can do it, has held me in good stead for the start of pre-season and, hopefully can lead into this season,” Batchelor told ‘Roar Vision’.

“I want to push into the half-back line this year and be able to provide a bit more run out of the backline and help Bachar (Houli) and ‘Newy’ (Chris Newman) out.”

Batchelor fully realises the importance of a strong pre-season, given Richmond’s growing defensive depth.

“We’ve got a fighting fit backline . . . (David) Astbury’s come back, (Troy) Chaplin and ‘Rancey’ (Alex Rance) are always going their thing, and Ben Lennon’s training the house down as well.  He can play forward or back, but he’s been training a bit with the backline at the moment, and I rekcon he’ll be pushing for Round 1,” Batchelor said.

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“There’s going to be really good competition for spots, which is healthy for the team.”