Nick Vlastuin produced a defensive master class in the Anzac Eve blockbuster at the MCG.

The top-class backman played a pivotal role in Richmond’s decisive victory over Melbourne with his commanding performance.

Vlastuin’s excellent ability to read the play and his aerial strength were highlighted right throughout the match.

MEMBERSHIP The Hunt Continues in 2019; join as a member today

He had an AFL career-high 28 disposals, with a game-high 14 intercepts, game-high 13 marks and five rebound-50s, constantly repelling Demon attacking moves and turning defence into offense for the Tigers.

In a post-match interview with Channel Seven, Vlastuin outlined how the Richmond defence was going about covering the major loss of injured, champion key backman Alex Rance. 

“We’ve played together for a long time, so we’re just filling the void,” Vlastuin said.

“With ‘Rancey’ going down, you can’t really replace him at all, but we just rely on the pressure up the field . . .

BROWSE Find a 2019 membership package suited to you

“It’s (pressure from the team’s forwards) going to get even better with ‘Lynchy’ (Tom Lynch) up there.

“We’re not getting outmarked that often when we’re going forward. And then we’ve got a lot of ‘smalls’ that are very good at pressure.

“So they can put it on, and they (the opposition) just quick-kick it back to us.

“Hopefully it can only get better.”