At the start of this year, following 20 seasons of AFL football in the 2000s, we asked you to help us come up with the Tigers’ Team of the 21^st Century, presented by Swinburne, so far. We put together a squad of 40 players from which we wanted you to select your best 22. To assist with the selection process, we also provided a profile and statistical analysis of each squad member. Only players that had appeared in a minimum of 50 games at senior level with Richmond during the 2000s were considered eligible for selection. It’s fair to say that the response from you was exceptional. So, after collating all the line-ups you compiled, the Tigers’ Team of the 21^st Century is complete. We’ll be announcing one player per day, in positional order from the backline, until all 22 are revealed. Today, we kick off with the first back pocket in the side – Nick Vlastuin.

Nick Vlastuin

On-field position: Defender

Games in the 2000s (2013-19): 141

Goals: 26

Playing achievements/honours: Member of Richmond’s 2017 and 2019 premiership teams, AFL Rising Star nominee in 2013

Top 10 finishes in the Jack Dyer Medal: Four – equal 6^th in 2015, 9^th in 2016, 8^th in 2018, 4^th in 2019

HIGHLIGHTS Watch the best of Team of the 21st Century back pocket, Nick Vlastuin

AFL career averages

Kicks: 9.6

Handballs: 6.7

Disposals: 16.3

Marks: 5.4

Rebound-50s: 3.0

Inside-50s: 1.5

Contested possessions: 5.7

Uncontested possessions: 10.3

Intercepts: 5.0

Score involvements: 2.4

Tackles: 2.8

One-percenters: 3.1

Metres gained: 197.9

Comment: Widely regarded as one of the best medium-sized defenders in the competition. Is tough, brave and elite in the intercepts’ category. Reads the play extremely well and is proficient with his ball use. Has maintained a high level of consistency throughout the past few seasons and very rarely had his colours lowered. A crucial cog in the Tigers’ back half.