The tenacity that’s been the hallmark of Anthony Miles’ work in Richmond’s midfield over the past couple of years, has also enabled him to fight his way back to form after a slow start to season 2016.
Miles, who had played 39 consecutive games after forcing his way into the Tigers’ senior line-up in his 2014 debut season with the Club, and finished fourth in the 2015 Jack Dyer Medal, was dropped following the team’s Round 3 loss to Adelaide at Etihad Stadium.
It was, however, a brief demotion, with Miles racking up 30 touches, including 19 contested possessions, plus 12 tackles, for Richmond’s VFL team in a big victory over Footscray.
He was subsequently recalled to the senior side for the Round 5 match against Melbourne, and his form graph has steadily risen since.
Miles had 25 disposals in the Anzac eve clash with the Demons, 22 the following round v Port Adelaide, and 24 against Hawthorn under the MCG lights last Friday night, including 12 contested possessions, a team-high seven clearances, five inside-50s, seven tackles and two goals.
Those two inspirational goals, scored in quick succession, lifted the Tigers to a 12-point lead at the 17-minute mark of the third quarter.
Although Richmond ended up losing the game by 46 points, Anthony Miles had again underlined his value to the side’s midfield group.