Richmond captain Trent Cotchin has been extremely impressed with the development of young Tiger small defender Nick Vlastuin throughout season 2015.

Vlastuin, who was Richmond’s first pick (No. 9 overall) in the 2012 National Draft, is averaging 15.3 disposals per game this season. 

He’s struck a good balance between tight defensive work and creative rebound out of the backline.

LISTEN: Foley on Talking Tigers, August 25

The 21-year-old had 16 disposals in another polished performance, against Collingwood at the MCG last Saturday.

“He’s a really good kick and he’s courageous – that’s unquestionable. He’ll go back with the flight at any stage, and I think that’s what we love about him,” Cotchin told K-Rock.

“He can drop off his opponent, or he can lock down on someone and shut them away. 

“He’ll just continue improving. 

“Whether or not we see him in the midfield over the years, who would know.

“It’s one of those ones, that you know he has a few more strings to his bow, but we’ll continue with him in that half-back role that we love him playing.”