The impressive improvement of several Richmond youngsters in the VFL has kept the pressure on for spots in the Tigers’ AFL side.

Matt McDonough and Nathan Gordon were instrumental in the hard-fought win of Richmond’s VFL team against Geelong last Saturday, pressing their claims for a senior recall in the final rounds of the season.

McDonough picked up 22 disposals and won seven clearances, while Gordon collected 27 disposals and kicked a goal in the Tigers’ important four-point win against the Cats.

The midfield duo, who have both experienced senior football this season, won praise from Richmond’s VFL coach Tim Clarke for their run, work rate and effective disposal.

“Matty McDonough’s come into the midfield in the last couple of weeks after spending a lot of his time at half back. His form on the weekend was terrific, when we really needed him to step up,” Clarke said.

“Nathan Gordon’s run . . . he accumulated 27 touches and was terrific all day with his ball use.”

Developing tall forward Liam McBean is enjoying a purple patch, after gradually working his way into form since a finger injury earlier this season, which sidelined him for a month.

McBean has kicked nine goals in the past two games, which Clarke believes is due to the effort he is putting in at training.

“He’s been working much harder on the track,” Clarke said.

"Ty Vickery has been challenging him a bit in that area, and they’re both hitting the scoreboard and playing good footy . . .

“We need Liam still taking the marks to kick his goals.  He kicked two or three on the weekend from marks, which is what we want to see – him competing in the air and giving us an option, as we expect our key forwards to do.”

Experienced ruckman Orren Stephenson is having an excellent season, and has been a key factor in the VFL Tigers’ consecutive wins.

As well as notable improvement in his marking and goalkicking, Stephenson’s consistently productive tap-work, at the centre bounces and stoppages, has lifted his side.

“One of the pleasing things in the last two weeks has been big Orren’s games,” Clarke said.

“He’s been terrific as has the main ruckman, as well as Shaun (Hampson).  Their ability to give our guys first use, and then follow up with second efforts, has been terrific.”

The next game for Richmond's VFL team is against Port Melbourne on Saturday, July 26 at 1.10pm at the ME Bank Centre, with free entry for all 2014 Richmond members.