Nick Vlastuin established himself as one of AFL football’s best young defenders in 2015.

The 21-year-old played all of Richmond’s 23 games, averaging 15.3 disposals and 4.4 marks per match.

He effectively curbed many of the best medium-sized forwards in the competition, and also generated some important rebound out of the backline for the Tigers throughout the season.

Although a move into the midfield, where Vlastuin spent time as a star junior footballer has been mooted, he is more than content with his defensive role in the Richmond line-up.

“I definitely enjoy the backline . . . I reckon there’s a lot more team about it because it’s the same seven,” Vlastuin told ‘Roar Vision’.

“Midfielders fluctuate through the forward line and stuff like that, so it’s (the backline) definitely pretty good. 

“And, you can dictate your match-ups a bit more, whereas, in the midfield, you never know what’s going to happen.”

Vlastuin paid tribute to former Adelaide top-line full-back Ben Rutten for the impact he had in his first season as Richmond’s backline coach.

“He’s got a real team mentality, and he’s been awesome for the group,” Vlastuin said.

“The back group’s really tight.

“We had the (same) back seven for most of the year and really gelled.  We know each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and we help each other out . . .

“‘Truck’ Rutten’s been massive for that.”