Richmond’s strong defensive structure, a major factor in the team’s bold showing throughout the first half of season 2017, is built on an unwavering belief and commitment within the backline group.

The Tigers’ defence, superbly led by star key backman Alex Rance, is currently ranked third in the competition for points against.

“We’ve got a supreme amount of trust in each other,” Rance told ‘ABC AFL Grandstand’.

“We’ve played a lot of footy with each other now and it’s really nice to play a style of footy where you almost don’t have to think.

“You know guys are going to be in a certain area.

“Guys are too good a kicks these days to just play one-on-one footy. It’s very much team defence.

“‘Grimesy’ (Dylan Grimes) and Dave (Astbury) have really got a good handle on what their role is within the side, as I do now, and I’ve got a supreme amount of trust in them.”