Anthony Miles’ influence within the Richmond line-up continues to grow.
The tough, ball-magnet midfielder racked up an equal career-high 30 disposals in last Friday night’s clash with Hawthorn at the MCG.
It was the third time since making his senior debut with the Tigers midway through last season, after two years at Greater Western Sydney, that Miles has had (exactly) 30 touches in a match.
Round 19: Richmond will hold an open training session at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday
In 30 games all-up for Richmond, Miles has picked up 20 disposals or more 25 times.
He is averaging 24.1 disposals per game this season and is ranked 15th in the competition for contested possessions and 17th for clearances.
His excellent efforts through the midfield last Friday night were pivotal in the Tigers’ impressive victory over Hawthorn.
“’Milesy’ has been a fantastic pick-up for us,” experienced Richmond defender Troy Chaplin told ‘Roar Vision’.
“He’s come into the midfield and had a massive impact since halfway through last year . . .
“He puts his body on the line week in, week out, and he’s always getting high tackles against him . . . we just love him for that.
“He’s heart and soul, and that’s what we’re all about at the footy club.”
The Tigers’ star key defender Alex Rance likes the fact that Miles has helped ease the pressure on the team’s captain and star midfielder Trent Cotchin.
“He’s always at the bottom of every pack and he’s taken the workload off ‘Cotchy’, Rance said on K-Rock.
“It means he (Cotchin) doesn’t have to get bashed up as much at the bottom of the packs and we get his good use on the outside.”
