Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has praised the efforts this season of back-up forwards Aaron Edwards and Luke McGuane.

The pair has been locked in a ‘battle’ all season for one forward spot, supporting Jack Riewoldt and Ty Vickery.

It was McGuane, who made the early running, with 20 goals from 12 games.

In recent weeks, however, Edwards has grasped his opportunity in fine style.

With nine goals in the last two games of the home-and-away season (five against GWS and four against  Essendon), Edwards appears to have secured his place in the Tigers’ line-up for Sunday’s big Elimination Final against Carlton at the MCG.

“We’ve been really pleased with what Aaron’s brought to the table, but also Luke McGuane at stages,” Hardwick said.

“Probably, where we’re at, at the moment, Luke is a bit unfortunate to be out of the side.

“But between the both of those guys, we’ve got the output of one player.

“It’s a little bit unfortunate, because one of those guys is going to miss out.

“But we’re really pleased with what those two have brought to the table.”