Star Richmond key forward Jack Riewoldt paid tribute to the team’s defence following last night’s convincing win against West Coast at Metricon Stadium.

Despite losing two-time, top-class, key backman Dylan Grimes during the second quarter of the contest due to a hamstring injury, the other Tiger defenders, with support from teammates further afield, were able to restrict the potent Eagles to a losing score of just 9.7 (61).

The likes of Nick Vlastuin, Bachar Houli, Jayden Short, Liam Baker and Noah Balta, in particular, stood tall, constantly repelling West Coast attacking moves.

“Probably the thing tonight that I’m most proud of, is that our backs were able to stand up without their leader, Dylan Grimes. And, obviously, Dave Astbury being injured for a little while now,” Riewoldt told ‘Fox Footy’ in a post-match interview.

“So, two of our most senior players, as well as Alex Rance not playing for us anymore, you’d think that we’d be pretty spare down there.

“But the boys held tough tonight . . .”