Tough inside midfielder Anthony Miles made a strong claim for promotion from Richmond’s rookie list to the senior list with his impressive performance in last Friday night’s opening pre-season match against Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

Miles, taken by Richmond with its second pick (No. 27 overall) in the AFL’s pre-season draft late last year, after being delisted by GWS, where he played 10 league games, was one of the Tigers’ best players in their 14-point loss to the Demons.

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He had 16 possessions, with 11 of them being contested (a team high), eight clearances (also a team high) and capped off his productive work through the midfield with a couple of goals.

“The boys really helped me to get a few early touches and get into it, which was great.  That was really helpful and settled the nerves a bit,” Miles said.

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“’Dimma’ has said that no-one’s a certainty come Round 1, so I’m just trying to put my best foot forward and, hopefully, snag a spot come Round 1.”

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick agreed that Miles had certainly done his chances of being promoted to the primary list at Tigerland no harm with his lively midfield display.

“We really like the way he plays,” Hardwick said.

“He’s hard and wins a lot of contested ball.  He’s always had no issues with finding the ball, even through his junior career.

“We’ve got the opportunity to upgrade two rookies and he’s certainly thrown his hat into the ring.

“He’s got some areas that he needs to work on, and he knows those.  But we’re pleased with what his output is thus far.”