The 11 tackles applied by Richmond’s mature-age recruit, Matt Thomas, in the Round 2 victory over Carlton, were the most by a Tigers’ player since Round 11, 2012, when Daniel Jackson had 12 against Fremantle in soggy conditions at the MCG.

Thomas, who also had 25 pressure acts last Thursday night, has been a revelation in the Richmond midfield during the opening couple of rounds of the season, constantly putting his body on the line, placing enormous pressure on the opposition, and feeding the ball out to his new teammates.

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Tiger defender David Astbury was full of praise for the hard-nosed midfielder, who was snapped up by Richmond in the rookie draft late last year after being delisted by Port Adelaide.

“Matt’s a real bull and he lightens the load of the likes of your Cotchins and Martins inside, so they can try and get forward and find some space,” Astbury said.

“He’s as good as I’ve seen inside. 

“He just works so hard for four quarters . . . he’s been a great addition.”