The effective use of players in a variety of on-field positions is a key factor in Richmond’s quest to take the next step this year.

The Tigers have used the pre-season period to sow the seeds of versatility within their playing group.

“We’ve got a number of guys we’re trying to roll through a number of roles, to try and get some flexibility in our side,” said Richmond coach Damien Hardwick.

Sign up as a Richmond member for the 2015 season

“We’re really excited to see guys like Reece Conca and Taylor Hunt going back at various stages . . . these type of players. 

 “We’ve got Chris Newman, who’s capable of playing forward and back . . . Steve Morris the same.

“The way the AFL is now, you’ve just got to have interchangeable parts, so that’s something we’re implementing at the moment.”

Hardwick is fully aware of the importance of the Tigers continuing to gain ground in the cut-throat AFL competition.

“Our best is good enough . . . we know that.  We’re capable of beating any side on our day, but the competition is incredibly even,” he said. 

“It’s going to be a fantastic year of AFL footy. 

“We feel the competition, as a whole, has improved, the talent depth has improved . . .

“We think we’ve improved – we’ve got to make sure we improve – because the fact of the matter is the competition’s also improving.”