Richmond’s defence was at its stingiest, skilful best in last night’s blockbuster ‘Dreamtime at the G’ clash.

The Tigers backmen restricted the Bombers to a total of only 43 points (6.7) across the four quarters and racked up numerous intercepts throughout.

Brilliant key defender Alex Rance had 12 intercepts (five of them marks), Brandon Ellis 12 (four marks), Nick Vlastuin 10 (three marks), David Astbury eight (two marks), Nathan Broad seven (two marks), Dylan Grimes six (one mark) and Jayden Short six (one mark).

In Richmond’s nine wins to the midway mark of the season, it has limited the opposition to an average of just 61.3 points per game.

Rance provided an insight into the consummate cohesion of the Tigers’ defence following last night’s convincing 71-point victory over Essendon.

Round 11: Vlastuin explains defensive structure

“What we aim as a back unit is to not just make it about one guy,” Rance told Channel Seven.

“Nick Vlastuin’s a super interceptor, Dave’s (Astbury) aerial power is really awesome as well, ‘Grimesy’ (Dylan Grimes) on ground level.

“We want that strong unit, that flexibility, where we can have the confidence to stand in dangerous grass, so that we can back each other up.”