It’s a case of mission accomplished for Richmond in terms of its overall recruiting outcome since the end of the 2012 season.

The Tigers approached the various recruiting opportunities – free agency, trade period, national draft and rookie draft – with a clear-cut purpose.

“We set out to bring a number of players in between the 22 to 25-year age bracket,” said Richmond coach Damien Hardwick on ‘Roar Vision’.

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“Take out the start-up clubs, and we’ve probably drafted the most 18-year-olds in the competition over the last three years.

“Our list has basically got enough of that player, so we looked to bring in some more experienced guys.

“The addition of Aaron Edwards, Chris Knights and Troy Chaplin was important.  They’re three guys we feel can step straight into our 22 and add to our game style, as well as at training with their competitive natures . . .

“With the rookie draft, we look it more as an injury-replacement list.

“If we lose players like we did last season with Foley, Grimes and Vickery, we now have players like Lonergan, Stephenson and Petterd, who have the ability to come in and play at AFL level.  We’re not relying on 18-year-olds.

“We thought it was a sound (recruiting) strategy, and it’s one we’ll investigate further over the next couple of years.”