Three years of earning the respect of the playing group has enabled Richmond defender Steven Morris to be included in the Club’s official playing leadership group for season 2015.

Morris replaced the recently-retired Daniel Jackson in the five-man group, which also includes Trent Cotchin, Troy Chaplin, Brett Deledio and Ivan Maric, after a vote by all players.

The 26-year-old has already established himself as one of the best small defenders in the competition during his relatively short AFL career to date, and now he has formally been recognised for his leadership qualities.

Renew or join as a Richmond member for the 2015 season

“Obviously I’ve wanted to play for the Richmond Football Club for a long time, and I was able to achieve that a few years ago,” Morris told Roar Vision.

“This is another step, and it really is a proud moment to be able to be seen in that way by my peers.

“Whenever you go to a new footy club, you strive to earn the respect of the players you play alongside, and that’s a sign I’m starting to do that.

“It makes a big difference when you’ve got the support of the players around you.”

Morris echoed the sentiments of Richmond coach Damien Hardwick, who explained at the Club’s 2014 Annual General Meeting that every player, not only those with an official leadership title, is encouraged to display leadership qualities in their own way.

“Every club that you’re involved in, the coach always talks about the more leaders you’ve got within your club, the more successful you’re going to be.

“We still talk about our bottom players displaying leadership, all the way to the top.

“We’re after every player on our list to be able to develop leadership skills, so when we’re out there on game day or on the track, everyone’s stepping up and demanding more from others, and they feel they have the position to do so.

“The sooner we can get everyone on our list doing, that, the sooner we’ll be playing finals footy on a regular basis, and pushing further up that ladder.”