New Richmond backline coach Ben Rutten has been impressed with the Tiger defenders’ quest for continual improvement.

 The 229-game former Adelaide full-back has worked closely with the backline group since joining Richmond’s coaching staff in September last year.

 “As a group to work with, they’ve been outstanding.  They’re all really eager to improve,” Rutten told RSN radio. 

“They’re all hard and demanding on each other, and enthusiastic about improving and making each other better as well. 

“That’s the sort of great environment I’ve been lucky enough to walk into.” 

Sign up as a Richmond member today for the 2015 season  

Rutten is enjoying his first year watching on, instead of participating in, the gruelling pre-season training campaign.

 “It’s the first pre-season that’s been easy for me over the last 13 or 14 years,” he said. 

“I’ve never heard of, or seen, an easy pre-season.  They’re always challenging. 

“For us as coaches, and the fitness guys, we’re always looking at ways to challenge the guys, physically and mentally, and we’re no different to any other team. 

“It’s a great time of the year to try different things.  They’ve been really impressive, the way they’ve applied themselves.”