Dynamic Richmond midfielder Brett Deledio believes he has developed techniques to enable him to overcome the close checking of taggers this season.

Despite often being the primary shutdown target of opposition teams, Deledio has averaged 24 disposals per game in season 2013.

He is ranked No. 1 at the Club for handballs (190) and inside-50s (79), No. 2 for tackles (69), and No. 3 for total disposals (446).

“It is tough.  You rely on your team-mates a hell of a lot to get you the footy and block for you,” Deledio told Channel 7’s “Game Day” program.

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“The thing I worry about is making sure I’m playing my role for the team, and doing my little bit to help us get the win . . . tackling or chasing, or maybe going to someone else to stop them from getting the ball.

“If I’m doing that, and I’ve got the respect of my team-mates and my coaches, I’m happy.”

Deledio believes that as the season has evolved, he’s discovered different ways to shake the tag and have an impact for the team.

“I suppose you have to (adapt to being tagged), because you don’t want to be out there getting 10-12 touches every week,” he said.

“I used to get frustrated at getting moved from half-back to half-forward, to midfield, but I’ve embraced it now.

“It’s something I can really work on.  If I can’t beat them at half-back, I can go to half-forward.  If I can beat them there, I can try the middle, or I can try to run with someone else.

“It’s a challenge, but it’s good as well, especially now that we’re winning.  It used to be if I was getting tagged we’d be losing all the time, but now that we’re winning, it makes it a lot easier.”