MALIGNED Richmond big man Ty Vickery's performance in Sunday's win over Collingwood could ignite his career, teammate Troy Chaplin says.

Vickery booted three important majors in the pulsating five-point triumph – including a nerveless set shot in the fourth quarter, when he took responsibility to kick the goal and didn't look around to see a free teammate in the goal-square.

Speaking post-match, Tigers coach Damien Hardwick hoped Vickery's performance would be "the start of something", and Chaplin echoed those comments on Monday.

"I think yesterday was one of those breakout games that we've been looking for," Chaplin told SEN.

"We thought he was absolutely exceptional down forward. He kicked straight and rewarded the hard work from down back and through the midfield when we were able to turn the footy over.

"He wasn't always marking the ball but he gave us a contest.

"We thought he was brilliant for us and it's really pleasing for him, because he has copped a fair bit of criticism throughout the year and past years as well."

Vickery has struggled to break into the side ahead of emerging tall Ben Griffiths, with Sunday's triumph only the second appearance for the 24-year-old this season.

Chaplin also highlighted the value to the side of Brett Deledio.

Along with skipper Trent Cotchin (32 disposals, two goals), Deledio once again proved his worth to Richmond with 30 touches and two critical goals after he was isolated inside 50.

Since 2007, the Tigers have won just two of eight games without the 216-game veteran – both against the Brisbane Lions.

"He's a class player and I tend to think he doesn't get the credit he deserves outside the club," Chaplin said.

"To be the No.1 draft pick (in 2004) comes with a lot of expectation. He is so important to us, and I think the weekend proves how valuable he is, because he can play through the middle but then he can play one-out in the forward line.

"He kicked two clutch goals for us in that last quarter to keep us in the game and get us back on top.

"Along with the skipper as well, Trent Cotchin, I thought they both led extremely well and they were probably the catalysts for the win in the end."

Richmond climbed to 10th spot on the ladder following the victory, and now faces a return to the scene of last year's elimination final horror show against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.