Richmond’s mature-age midfield recruit, Matt Thomas, has acknowledged the role played by Tiger coach Damien Hardwick in his football revitalisation.

Thomas, who was delisted by Port Adelaide at the end of last season, following an 87-game career in eight years there, has been one of the Tigers’ best players in their opening two games of the 2014 season, winning high praise for his tough, inside midfield work.

“’Dimma’ has been really good.  He just keeps it really simple for me, which is what I like,” Thomas said.

“He just really wants me to be a bit of an enforcer, and smash in, get the tackles, and protect my other teammates. 

“That’s the role I’ll be playing this year.

“If it comes that I have to play on someone for a half, a quarter, or whatever it is, then happy to do that.

“But, at this stage, it’s just getting in the middle and getting the hands and knees dirty.”