Richmond utility Ricky Petterd is hoping an increased focus on fitness this pre-season will present an opportunity for him in the midfield in 2014.

The 25-year-old was known best for his work in attack during his time at Melbourne, before Tiger fans saw the potential in him as a defender last season.

Now, Petterd is working towards giving the Club’s coaches another option in the middle of the ground.

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“This year I’ve been training in the midfield and on the wing.  I think that’s a strength of mine – my versatility and flexibility,” Petterd told Roar Vision.

“I think that’s what ‘Dimma’ (coach Damien Hardwick) wants.  He wants a few players running through there.  The more players we can get doing that, the better.

Since the players have returned for pre-season training, Petterd has worked hard on his running ability, with the Club’s strength and conditioning staff.

“I definitely have to take my tank to another level.  To date it’s still my best pre-season ever.  Touch wood I don’t do anything from here until the NAB Cup,” he said.

Petterd is looking to build on an impressive debut season for the Tigers, which saw him start as a rookie, play 12 games in total, and average 17 disposals and five marks per match.

He was rewarded by being elevated to the senior playing list at the 2013 National Draft.

“In a way it was still a really enjoyable year for me.  I played in every game I was available for, so I was doing something right for ‘Dimma’,” he said.

“I’ll just hopefully continue to do that this year.  I’d like to think I can contribute in some sort of way, and play every week.”