Dion Prestia’s influence within the Richmond line-up continues to grow . . .

The Tigers’ prized 2017 mature-age, midfield recruit played a major role in last Friday night’s qualifying final success against Geelong through his hard, two-way running and ball-winning ability.

Prestia had a game-high 31 disposals, with a game-high 18 contested possessions, six inside-50s, five clearances, eight score involvements, six tackles, 23 pressure acts, 348 metres gained, and kicked a goal.

Over his past five games, he has averaged 27.4 disposals per match, 13.2 contested possessions, 5.6 clearances and 6.1 tackles.

“I didn’t have the perfect pre-season and build-up into Round 1, but I feel it’s coming together now,” Prestia told ‘Triple M’.

“I’m learning how all my teammates play, and our brand of footy, because it’s a bit different to what I’m used to . . .

“It’s about knowing each other’s strengths . . . like our forwards with their leading positioning and what they like.

“I know we’ve got a lot of ‘smalls’ (up forward), so the way that they want the ball delivered in there.

“And what the backs expect of our midfielders pushing down and helping out.

“I think it just took me a while to get the hang of that and getting in the right positions.

“I felt I was still impacting games and playing my role, but just wasn’t up to the standard I expect. But after getting some things right, having a big role in the team, it’s been good . . .

“It’d be a nice time of year to hit some form, that’s for sure.”