Nick Vlastuin is feeling reinvigorated and excited by the challenge of taking on a different role within Richmond’s line-up in 2017.

After establishing himself as one of the best small defenders in the competition during the past few years, Vlastuin has spent this pre-season building his fitness base and training with the Tigers’ midfield group.

He is set to join a new-look midfield this season, along with mature-age recruits Dion Prestia and Josh Caddy.

“Some of the promising young backmen have kicked me out of there, so I’ll see how I go in the midfield, I suppose,” Vlastuin said.

The many changes that have taken place at Tigerland since the end of a disappointing 2016 season, have helped create a vibrant pre-season atmosphere, according to Vlastuin

“This one’s been pretty good, actually . . . a lot of new coaches, new players, new ideas.  It’s felt really refreshing,” he said.

Vlastuin, who was Richmond’s first pick (No. 9 overall) in the 2012 AFL National Draft, has played 80 games at senior level with the Tigers.

He has managed a top-10 placing in the past two Jack Dyer Medal counts (equal sixth in 2015 and ninth in 2016).