Richmond’s new midfield coaches, Blake Caracella and Andrew McQualter, are genuinely excited about the depth of on-ball talent the Tigers are accumulating, and what that means for the team’s prospects for the 2017 season.

Caracella and McQualter believe the significant boost to Richmond’s midfield depth, through the acquisition of mature-age guns Dion Prestia and Josh Caddy, via last year’s AFL trade period, plus Nick Vlastuin’s move into the crucial on-field area, will lead to greater flexibility within the Tigers’ line-up.

“Competition for spots is fantastic,” Caracella told ‘Roar Vision’.

“A lot of time now, mids play forward and mids even go to half-back flanks.  So, while we have got specific key defenders and specific key forwards, you’ll find a lot of the half-forwards and half-backs do go through the midfield as well . . .

“We’ve got a lot of players who are good runners . . . That enables the players to get up the ground, get back, run off half-back flank, play on the wing. 

“We’ve got a good mix of players to play through those roles. 

“And, if you look inside the contest, too, you’ve got some pretty solid types in Vlastuin, Martin, Cotchin, Caddy and Prestia, who can win the ball for us as well.”

McQualter echoed Caracella’s sentiments about the Tigers’ midfield development.

“We’ve only just started our match simulation stuff, but no doubt we’ve got more depth in our midfield this year.  And I think it’s great,” McQualter told Roar Vision.

“Whether some of those guys start playing a little bit of back and forward as well, it’s only good for our team, I reckon . . .

“Nick (Vlastuin) played midfield for most of his junior career, and then came in and started his AFL career as a backman, because that’s what our team needed.  He did it really well for a few years. 

“The progression for him is to play some midfield minutes and, so far this pre-season, he’s been really good in there. 

“Kam (McIntosh) and Corey (Ellis) both played half-back last year, but we see roles for them through the midfield as well.  Whether it’s wing or inside, we’re not sure yet, but they’ve both showed some good signs . . .

“The flexibility’s important . . . We want our best players to be playing on the ground at the one time.

“If we can keep our best players on the ground, have them play in the forward line for longer, it’s better for our team.”