Richmond coach Damien Hardwick believes the Tigers might have found a long-term backman after the starring performance of the young defender Noah Balta.

Balta was among the Tigers' best in their dominant display against the Western Bulldogs to open round nine, with the rising backman enjoying a strong patch of form in his third AFL season.

The 20-year-old has been a revelation since returning to the backline in the absence of injured dual premiership player David Astbury and was influential against the Bulldogs with 15 disposals and four marks.

Hardwick said Balta reminded him of the Tigers' retired champion full-back Alex Rance, who retired following a stellar career at the end of last year.

"I thought he was terrific. He's been very good throughout the year, he probably [only] had one down game," Hardwick said.

"We think for us to be a really good side he has to play. He's just going to grow into the role and I'm loathe to say it, but he does remind me of a young Alex Rance.

"I look at the way he plays the game and he does some things that only players like him can do, and then he'll make a mistake like only him and Alex can do. He's a prodigious talent and we're really excited about what he's got to offer.

"He's got a lot of work to go, but we think he's starting to progress nicely."

Hardwick praised key forwards Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch for their improved performances, saying Riewoldt "is back", while complimented Trent Cotchin for his return from injury.

The Tigers will consider resting Cotchin for next Tuesday's clash with Brisbane or the following Saturday against Port Adelaide.