AFL great Luke Hodge has paid a glowing tribute to star Richmond defender Dylan Grimes.

The three-time Hawthorn premiership captain, in his new special comments role for Channel Seven’s football coverage, lauded Grimes last Saturday night when the Tigers played North Melbourne at Metricon Stadium.

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Although Grimes’ first-rate football prowess is totally recognised within the four walls at Tigerland (or now the Gold Coast hub), and he gained All-Australian selection for the first time last year, Hodge believes he still remains somewhat under-rated by sections of the AFL football world.

“He plays on a tall, he plays on a small, but his positioning to be able to launch at the ball and take it at the highest point is something that not many opposition fans, I guess, would notice about him,” Hodge said.

The three-time Hawthorn premiership captain also pinpointed Grimes’ other impressive football attributes . . .

• “His desperation. He puts his body on the line non-stop.

• He’s got the ability to chase down . . .

• His positioning . . . He’s on his toes all the time. If he’s playing in front, he has the ability to run back and take that mark in front. But also, he’s on his toes ready in case that little, quick kick comes out. He’s the first one on it to pick it up and give a handball or tackle his opponent.

• His leadership since Rance has gone out . . . he and (Nick) Vlastuin were able to control that defensive unit so much to win the premiership last year. They’ve got so many injuries at the moment, but they’ve been able to win because of blokes like Grimes playing their role and doing their job. He’s been excellent for them . . .”

Grimes finished with a season-high 19 disposals, a game-high nine marks and game-high nine one-percenters in Richmond’s Round 7 victory over the Kangaroos.