The on-field positional move of Richmond triple premiership small forward Daniel Rioli to a half-back flank has proven to be a masterstroke.

It’s been the best we’ve seen at Tigerland since superstar key forward Matthew Richardson was shifted to a wing in 2008 by the Club’s then coach Terry Wallace. ‘Richo’ went on to finish third in the Brownlow Medal that year.

And I’m hard pressed to think of a better one, overall, throughout the entire competition in recent times.

Current Richmond coach Damien Hardwick moved Rioli into defence during the second half of last season and he’s grown into his rebounding role superbly.

So far this season, Rioli is averaging 20.5 disposals, 5.0 marks, 3.6 rebound-50s, 5.7 intercepts, 4.5 score involvements and 422.9 metres gained per match.

He again was one of the Tigers’ most prominent performers in last Saturday night’s Dreamtime at the ‘G blockbuster, finishing the match with 26 disposals, an equal team-high six rebound-50s, eight intercepts and 328 metres gained.

“He gets better and better. Obviously, through experience, he’ll get an understand of what he can and can’t do,” Hardwick said.

“Credit where credit’s due, Adam Kingsley (Richmond assistant coach) has done a lot of work with him on his understanding of patterns.

“He’s been really important to our regeneration.

“He’s got some areas of his game he can get better at . . . Obviously, through experience, he’ll get an understanding of what he can and can’t do.

“But what he can do, is bring his strengths from that part of the ground.

“So, we’re really proud of the way he’s gone about it and the way he’s attacked it head-on.”