RICHMOND has used its intraclub match on Thursday to trial a smaller forward line, with Ben Lennon kicking four goals as he pushes his case for senior selection in 2017.
The Tigers haven't settled on their best forward mix yet as they prepare for life without Ty Vickery and look beyond the three-pronged tall set-up they have used in recent seasons.
The answer may be a smaller line-up, with the club encouraged by its growing group of small forwards and midfielders who can rotate in attack effectively.
Lennon, who played three games last season, was a standout in Thursday's trial game alongside small forward Daniel Rioli, who booted two goals and set up a number of others.
Rioli was particularly clean with his hands and was able to push onto the wing regularly after a faultless pre-season that has seen him add strength and endurance.
Others to impress were third-year forward Dan Butler (three goals) and draftees Shai Bolton and Tyson Stengle, who were dangerous around the ball.
Star onballer Dustin Martin was in top form in the midfield and pushed forward to kick three goals, while recruit Dion Prestia made good decisions and stood out.
The coaches also started captain Trent Cotchin deep in attack for periods as part of the smaller line-up before rotating the Brownlow medallist through the midfield.
Lennon shapes as an ace in the Tigers' hand this season after just 19 games in three years, with his career yet to take off because of injury issues and poor form.
The No.12 pick in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft, he has also been moved through a number of positions, but appears to now be settled in attack where he has enjoyed a full pre-season.
Tall forwards Jack Riewoldt and Ben Griffiths both played on Thursday morning, but ruckmen Shaun Hampson and Toby Nankervis were rested.
Star defender Alex Rance was also rested but donned an orange vest and took part as a boundary umpire as the club keeps a close eye on his workload.
Richmond opens its JLT Community Series against Adelaide at Etihad Stadium on February 24, before a trip to Mount Gambier to play Port Adelaide and then to Moe to play Collingwood.
The traditional season-opener against Carlton is at the MCG on March 23.
Josh Caddy looks to break a tackle during Richmond's intraclub game. Picture: AFL Photos
Dion Prestia works his way through traffic. Picture: AFL Photos
Dustin Martin was again among the standouts at Punt Road Oval. Picture: AFL Photos
Daniel Rioli evades Taylor Hunt during the Tigers' intraclub. Picture: AFL Photos
