The improved inside midfield work of Dustin Martin has been a significant factor in Richmond’s revival over the past month.

Martin’s contested-ball numbers have lifted appreciably, and he’s been generating major drive for the Tigers through his powerful efforts in the midfield.

He was best afield in last Friday night’s victory over Fremantle at Domain Stadium, picking up a game-high, and season-high for him, 34 disposals, including 12 contested possessions and five clearances.

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“We’ve been encouraging him to play like the Luke Hodges of the world that use their bodies as a battering ram,” Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said on SEN.

“We think for Dustin to play his best footy, and to take his game to a new level, that’s where his game has to go.

“We’ve been really pleased.  I think he’s averaged about 13 or 14 contested balls over about the last four or five weeks.

“The one area of the game we certainly felt could improve for Dustin and we’re starting to reap the dividends of that over the last couple of weeks. 

“It’s been really impressive by the lad.”