Triple Richmond premiership star defender Nick Vlastuin was the embodiment of the Tigers’ fighting spirit in last Thursday night’s thrilling Round 1 clash with Carlton at the MCG.

Vlastuin produced a desperate, diving tackle in the frenetic final term to thwart star Blues spearhead Charlie Curnow strolling into an open goal.

It highlighted Vlastuin’s defensive proficiency, and why he is such a pivotal member of Richmond’s line-up.

“I saw Charlie (Curnow) was going to mark and I didn’t want to get on the mark too quick because he would have just gone off it. So, I tried to sneak up on him and got lucky in the end,” Vlastuin told Richmond Media post-game.

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'It was a tough game of momentum' - Vlastuin

Nick Vlastuin speaks with Richmond Media following the sides Round 1 loss to Carlton.

Vlastuin again was excellent right throughout the match for the Tigers.

He finished with 24 disposals, nine contested possessions, six marks, a game-high 11 intercepts, seven rebound-50s, four score involvements, six tackles and 495 metres gained.

The 29-year-old was rewarded for his top-class effort with six votes from the coaches.

Noah Balta's outstanding performance all over the ground earned him four votes, while captain Toby Nankervis' excellent return saw him receive one.

Full voting details for the Round 1 Richmond v Carlton match are:

8 - Mitch McGovern (Carlton) 
7 - Patrick Cripps (Carlton)
6 - Nick Vlastuin (Richmond)
5 - Noah Balta (Richmond)
3 - Harry McKay (Carlton)
1 - Toby Nankervis (Richmond)

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Latitude Player of the Match: Round 1

Noah Balta has been awarded the Round 1 Latitude Player of the Match.