The health and increased depth of Richmond’s playing list is keeping the pressure on for senior spots at Tigerland, according to Jake Batchelor.

The third-year defender has played eight of a possible 13 games this season, with a mix of injury and form preventing him from establishing a constant presence in the side.

Alex Rance and Troy Chaplin have been mainstays in the Tigers’ defensive zone, but a number of players, including Dylan Grimes, Matt Dea, David Astbury and Ricky Petterd, have played as the third tall defender so far this season.

“It’s great that there’s competition for spots.  The fact that we’re winning makes it even better,” Batchelor told Radio Sport National.

“We’ve got depth, and you probably couldn’t say that two or three years ago. Now we’ve got 30 players who could come into the side and play their role.

“The drive to continue to play for the team is a lot higher.”

After two weeks on the sidelines due to a knee injury, Batchelor made an impressive return to the senior team against St Kilda, amassing 14 disposals and six marks, combining strong defence with attacking run from half back.

His challenge, he admits, is to work on consistency of performance.

“I’ve missed out through depth, pretty much.  I’ve been pushed out a bit,” he said.

“For me a big thing is consistency.  It’s about getting my body right every single week and playing consistent team football.”