Richmond star Brett Deledio has relished his full-time return to the team’s midfield this season.

With just one round to go, Deledio is averaging more than 27 disposals per game, which is a career-best season’s return for him.

He again was one of the Tigers’ best in last Friday night’s 45-point win against Essendon at the MCG, with a top-class, 33-disposal display in his 171st league game.

Could Brett Deledio win the 2012 Jack Dyer Medal? Be there to find out.

It was the 10th time this season that the 25-year-old dual Jack Dyer Medallist has had 30 disposals or more in a match, further underlining the success of his move back into the Tiger midfield.

“I’m loving playing in there with big Ivan (Maric) putting it on a silver platter for you.  Getting front-row seats to ‘Cotchy’ (Trent Cotchin) week in, week out is pretty exciting as well and, if he’s not playing well, then you’ve got Dustin Martin, Shaun Grigg, Dan Jackson’s in there doing a role for us, and Nathan Foley when he’s playing,” Deledio said on SEN’s ‘Hungry For Sport’ program.

“It just makes it so much more enjoyable.  Not to say that playing off half-back wasn’t enjoyable, but it’s a lot more fun and free playing in the midfield.”

Deledio admits he wasn’t sure what to expect from Ivan Maric, when Richmond recruited him from Adelaide during last year’s trade period, but he’s been delighted with the ruckman’s debut season at the Club.

“I was involved with Ivan in the AIS back in the under 17s a few years ago, but to be honest, he’s really surprised me,” Deledio said.

“He was obviously just lacking his opportunity in Adelaide, but now he’s flourished with being the No. 1 ruck here at Tigerland.  He’s just taken it and run with it.”

Deledio rates his midfield colleague, Trent Cotchin, a big chance to win this year’s Brownlow Medal.

“I’d love to see it.  I reckon we’d probably party harder than he would - he’s pretty clean-cut, Trent,” Deledio said.

“He’s played extremely well in all our wins, and pretty well in some of our close losses as well.

“It’d be great for him - a terrific achievement.”