Richmond captain, Trent Cotchin, and star spearhead, Jack Riewoldt, have praised the Tigers’ mature-age recruit, Nathan Gordon, for the influential role he played in last Friday night’s triumph over Essendon.

The 24-year-old Gordon, who was selected by Richmond at pick 50 overall in the 2013 National Draft, after spending two seasons on the Sydney Swans’ list, had only eight disposals for the match, but kicked two vital goals and initiated another one, in a lively display across half-forward.

“He’s played ‘sub’ the majority of the time when he’s been playing this year, gets his opportunity and, granted, he didn’t have a massive possession game, but he’s an elite runner, and I thought his contest work was fantastic, especially against one of the better defences in the competition,” Cotchin said on ABC radio.

“I think he plays a lot bigger than he actually is (187cm, 86kg).  He’s got quite a solid frame, so we know that he can play hard and tough.

“But also, to get out on the outside and run, and use his ability to work, is a credit to him and really helpful for us a group.”

Riewoldt told Triple M that Gordon was proving to be a valuable acquisition for the Tigers.

“’Nipper’ Gordon, ‘Flash’ . . . he’s got elite running capacity, which is what you need when you play half-forward these days, and he’s really good in the air as well,” Riewoldt said.

“When he went back and kicked that goal, after copping a big hit from Courtney Dempsey, it was a real steadier for us . . .”