Nathan Broad surely can’t continue to be under-rated outside Tigerland’s four walls for much longer.

The dependable defender, who played such a valuable role in Richmond’s 2017, 2019 and 2020 premiership triumphs, has taken his game to an even higher level this season.

Broad is averaging 15.9 disposals, 5.4 marks, 7.3 intercepts, 3.9 rebound-50s, 3.0 one-percenters and 276.1 metres gained per match after seven rounds.

He achieved AFL career-high numbers in several key statistical categories in the Tigers’ victory over the Western Bulldogs at the MCG last Friday night – 25 disposals, 10 contested possessions, 11 marks, three contested marks – and an equal career-high 10 intercepts.

In the absence of fellow triple Tiger premiership backman Nick Vlastuin through injury since the opening round this year, Broad has stepped up superbly, and it’s time the outside football world acknowledged his efforts.