In-form Richmond key defender Alex Rance says the team’s growing maturity and a belief both within themselves, and from senior coach Damien Hardwick, is contributing to more on-field confidence this season.

The 23-year-old had 30 disposals, 16 marks, eight spoils and five tackles in a best-on-ground performance in the Tigers 27-point win over Fremantle last weekend.

“The belief and individual decision-making skills are really improving as the year goes on,” Rance told Sportsday radio.

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“It shows a lot with our game plan. ‘Dimma’ has now simplified it down a lot and put the onus on us to make the right decisions at the right time.”

Rance said Hardwick has delivered a more ‘principle based’ game plan, trusting his maturing players to make smart on-field decisions in the heat of the game.

The philosophy seems to be having a positive effect on Richmond players both young and old, with veteran midfielder Daniel Jackson having an outstanding season in 2013.

“He and I were probably in the same boat for a little while. Our decision making a little bit maligned, but our defensive intent was never questioned. It’s really awesome to see he’s putting the whole package together,” said Rance.

Defensive comrade Troy Chaplin has been a welcome addition to the Tigers’ back-six this season, with Rance more appreciative than anyone with his arrival at Tigerland.

“He just gives me that ‘chop-out’. It’s not so much the physical tiredness that you encounter with the big forwards, it’s more so the mental lapses, that’s when they get you,” Rance said.

Damien Hardwick also praised the positive influence of Chaplin to Rance’s on-field form, in his post-game press conference last weekend.

“There’s no doubt the addition of Troy Chaplin down there makes him a better player, and that’s the reason we brought ‘Chappy’ in,” he said.