RICHMOND hero Dustin Martin's trademark 'don't argue' is rubbing off on teammates as the Tigers look to add more layers to their premiership defence.

Last year Martin was streets ahead of the competition for broken tackles as the Tigers won the flag, but this season more of his teammates are starting to follow suit.

After four rounds, Richmond sits a clear No.1 in the AFL with 39 broken tackles, eight more than Geelong in second place.

And captain Trent Cotchin looks to have studied Martin's tapes in the off-season, sitting equal with last year's Brownlow medallist on seven broken tackles – the most in the competition.

Reece Conca joins a host of players on six, while Geelong's Patrick Dangerfield is on five from just three matches, according to Champion Data statistics.

Last year Dangerfield finished a staggering 44 broken tackles behind Martin's tally of 68 in the home and away season, with Dan Butler the next best Tiger with 13.

In a year in which Martin took home every individual award possible, he also posted a new broken tackles match record, recording eight in the Tigers' preliminary final win over Greater Western Sydney.