Richmond expects midfield depth will play a crucial role in team success in the 2013 season, as it did for this year’s premier, Sydney.

The Tigers already have the nucleus of a strong midfield, but have been working on creating depth to allow for sustained effort over four quarters.

The Club boasts the likes of Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio, Dustin Martin, Shane Tuck and Nathan Foley in its starting midfield, but has recently recruited for need, to assist its front-liners when they are involved in rotations.

In the last two drafts, the Tigers have selected Brandon Ellis and Reece Conca with its first picks, and in the recent free agency period, acquired Chris Knights from Adelaide.

The Club also targeted Shaun Grigg in the 2010 trade period.

“We’re looking for players who can step up into the midfield as our second rotation,” said Richmond coach Damien Hardwick.

“We probably lacked a bit of that this year.  When Cotchin and Martin went forward we lost a bit inside the centre square.

“As we saw with Sydney, the ability for them to have guys who can play half forward, but also push on-ball, is really important for the way the game is going.”