Richmond’s defensive unit saw an unusually high amount of the ball in the Round 22 victory over St Kilda last Sunday.

Five of the Tigers’ defenders – Troy Chaplin, Bachar Houli, Chris Newman, Alex Rance and Jake Batchelor – each accumulated 20 or more disposals for the match.

Chaplin and Houli each collected 29 possessions – the equal highest tally of anyone on the field during the 26-point win.

Fellow backman Dylan Grimes amassed a season-high 17 touches, along with Batchelor (22) and Newman (21).

Grimes put it down to a change of approach across half back, brought on by St Kilda’s game style on the day.

“I think the defenders got high numbers this week because we were switching a fair bit more,” Grimes told Roar Vision after the match.

“They were giving us the switch rather than the inside kicks which we’ve seen in the last six or seven weeks.

“It’s definitely good to see a bit more of the ball, but if you’re seeing less I guess it’s up your end, so it’s 50-50 I guess.”

Grimes has become known more as a defensive stopper, than a large accumulator of the ball over his career so far, however against the Saints he displayed a willingness to run forward with the ball and deliver with precision.

It’s a by-product of growing confidence from the 23-year-old, who has slotted into the Richmond defence seamlessly after injury grounded fellow backman David Astbury earlier in the season.

“It’s probably the first proper year season I’ve played at the Club, and the first full pre-season as well.  I’m really happy that I’m starting to see some reward on field,” Grimes said.

“But to be honest, the work that Rancey does to help me out, and the work Chappy does as well - their leadership on-field is really noticeable.

“I think they played a major role in us winning tonight.”