Richmond coach Damien Hardwick is delighted with the progress shown so far this year by talented Tiger ‘tall’ Ben Griffiths.

The 22-year-old produced the best performance of his frustrating 21-game AFL career, in last Thursday night’s nail-biting victory over Carlton at the MCG, picking up 11 disposals and taking seven marks, including the match-saving one in the frantic final moments of the match.

“He’s really improved, which is great for us,” Hardwick said.

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“You know, he’s 200cm, he can run, he can ruck, and he’s a beautiful kick of the ball.

“He might have made a slight blue, dropping that mark across half-back (during the second quarter), but he more than made up for it.

“A number of towering marks was really pleasing for Ben.

“He’s a young guy that hasn’t had a lot of luck with injuries, but we think he’s going to be a player of the future, which is great for us going forward.”

Valued Tiger veteran Chris Newman concurred with Hardwick’s assessment of Griffiths’ development.

“I think with ‘Griffo’ it is a bit of a confidence thing,” Newman said.

“He’s very, very strong, and he’s got a big, thumping kick, so if we can get it in his hands, we know he’s always going to kick it 80 (metres) . . .

“I’m rapt for him.”