Brett Deledio’s sparkling return to form over the past couple of rounds, after spending several weeks on the sidelines early this season with a calf complaint, has been a significant factor in Richmond’s vastly improved showing during that time.
Deledio provided the Tigers with plenty of drive in their impressive back-to-back victories over Collingwood (Round 7) and Port Adelaide (Round 8).
The Richmond vice-captain and dual Jack Dyer Medallist followed up a dynamic 30-disposal, two-goal display against the Magpies, with 28 touches, including 15 contested possessions, eight score involvements, five clearances, six marks and a goal against the Power last Sunday.
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“He’s a gun footballer, and we just love having him, especially across half-forward,” Richmond captain Trent Cotchin told SEN.
“He’s hard to match up on . . . he’s got speed, he can take a mark and he kicks goals, with a pinch-hit through the midfield as well.
“It just gives that flexibility to some of our other midfielders spending a little bit of time forward.
“He obviously adds a real string to our team’s bow.”