Marlion Pickett has literally leapt into contention for the role of Richmond’s relief ruckman.

In a surprise coaching move, the dual premiership Tiger provided the team’s No. 1 ruckman Toby Nankervis with a decent chop-out in last night’s big win against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.

Despite being only 184cm tall, Pickett managed to compete strongly at several centre-bounce contests throughout the game due to his impressive spring.

He jumped high and ensured his St Kilda ruck opponent wasn’t able to take control of the centre bounces.

Pickett was one of the Tigers’ best players across the four quarters, finishing with 14 disposals, three inside-50s, four intercepts, six score involvements, three tackles, two hit-outs, and one goal, which was a massive drop punt on the run, off one step, that sailed through from about 50 metres out and went many rows back into the crowd.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick, in his post-match press conference, explained the decision to use Pickett as ruck back-up.

“It was a good discussion at match committee this week . . . we looked at our ruck back and our ruck forward. And we threw Marlion up because our recruiting staff said he’d played ruck at various stages (in the WAFL). He still thinks he jumped over Zac Clarke, the ex-Fremantle ruck,” Hardwick said.

“I thought he was terrific. He jumped in and he competed really hard.

“So, we’ve found something that we didn’t know before the game, which is a real positive for us.

“Whether we use it every week, we’re not sure. But I thought it was a positive step for us tonight.”