Small forwards, who can create both scoreboard and defensive pressure, are worth their weight in gold in AFL football today.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has pinpointed two older players he’s looking at to fill that important role within the Tigers’ line-up in season 2015 – Shane Edwards and defender-turned-forward Steven Morris.

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“Shane Edwards is a player that, within our four walls, we rate incredibly highly,” Hardwick said on SEN.

“He’s a talent . . . He probably doesn’t get the kudos that he deserves, for mine. 

“What he needs to do, is get a little bit more selfish at certain stages and kick more goals. 

“But he does some things . . . you would have seen the tap he did to (Ben) Griffiths (against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium last Saturday).

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“He’s an incredible player and we’re very lucky to have him. 

“Steve Morris has averaged two shots on goal every game he’s played (during the pre-season series).

“We’d just like a few more going through the big sticks, but the defensive pressure he puts on is outstanding. 

“I’ve got no doubt that role Jake (King) played, we missed last year.  He only played two games for us and we lost that defensive pressure.

“We’re hoping Morris and Edwards will be able to give us it back this year.”