Improved midfielder Brandon Ellis was delighted to see spearhead Jack Riewoldt fire against Sydney and believes winning both the contested ball and clearances were key to the Tigers’ securing their ninth-straight win.

The Tigers won the contested possession count by 16 and clearances by nine in their three-point,, finals-clinching victory on Saturday evening.

“We know that they’re the best contested ball side in the competition,” Ellis said. “I think, over the last eight weeks we’ve been number two so, we knew that we had to beat them in contested ball and obviously clearances.”

“It was a credit to the midfielders and especially the rest of the team to be able to beat the best in the best key performance indicators.”

Ellis, whose 27-disposal game was highlighted by a crucial late tackle on Sydney star, Adam Goodes, praised Riewoldt for his instrumental role in Richmond’s strong start.

“Jack loves the Tigers, he’s loved around the Club and I think he kicked three goals in the first 20 minutes to help us set a five-goal lead going into quarter-time, but he’s just that player - he can turn it on.”

“He can turn a game just like that and we’re going need him to fire next week and play his best game because they’ve got a pretty good back line, Port, and it was really good for him to be able to do that for us.”

Riewoldt has booted 10 goals in Richmond’s past two games and kicked three against the Power when the sides last met in Round 17.