Jack Graham has been in and out of the Richmond midfield this season but is doing a good job to retain his place ahead of this year’s finals series.

The hard-working, tough, 2017 premiership Tiger entered last night’s against Fremantle at Metricon Stadium averaging 18 disposals in his three games back at senior level, after being omitted following the Round 8 loss to Greater Western Sydney, and he again was busy through the midfield with 18 touches, a goal, six score involvements and 395 metres gained.

His midfield work throughout the last quarter of the contest was a pivotal factor in Richmond lifting after leading by only a goal at three quarter-time and going on to record a 27-point win.

Graham is doing a top job of holding his spot in the line-up, even with some quality Tiger teammates to return in coming weeks. 

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick acknowledged Graham’s impressive form reversal in recent weeks during his post-match press conference.

“I think he’s played three or four really good games in-a-row and he’s really stood up when we’ve needed him. And, tonight was the same,” Hardwick said.

“He’s an important player to us . . . We really love what he brings.

“He was a little bit inconsistent at the start of the year, but his form since he’s come back in the side has been brilliant.

“What I loved about what he did is Jack’s a guy that when you tell him he’s out of the side, he’s incredibly disappointed. But he gets straight back to work.

“That’s the type of player a coach loves . . . a guy that just puts his head down, bum up, and gets it done.

“He’s been a really positive influence around our hub, and the proof’s in the pudding with the way he’s playing at the moment as well.”