RICHMOND is preparing Dustin Martin for a possible role in the backline this season as the club looks to capitalise on his versatility under new interchange restrictions.
Martin, who has kicked 79 goals in the past three seasons and averaged 23 possessions, has developed into an offensive weapon in the midfield and forward line.
However, coach Damien Hardwick said the Tigers wanted to explore his attacking traits across half-back, with the 22-year-old training with the club's defenders this summer.
"He's shown the ability to play forward and through the midfield … probably the one area we haven't really tinkered with a little bit is his ability to play down back," Hardwick told AFL.com.au.
"That's something we're looking at this year. He's a very capable player at creating scores.
"If we can get the ball in his hands through that half-back zone, it's a very damaging scoring zone, so we feel as if we'll certainly score from that."
Hardwick said versatility would become even more important for midfielders in 2014 with interchange rotations capped at 120.
Hampson right at home at Tigerland
Defender Alex Rance said the Tigers had successfully used midfielders Brett Deledio and Trent Cotchin in the backline at times, and he was confident Martin would make the transition if required.
"He's trained really well there this pre-season so I'd love to see him down there because he's an amazing kick and decision-maker," Rance said.
"I think it's just getting that defensive element into his game and just getting good decision-makers with the ball.
"I think a lot of clubs are going through that sort of process now of having good decision-makers coming out of the backline … Hawthorn have got Sam Mitchell."
In attack, the Tigers will again focus on being unpredictable, according to Hardwick, with Jack Riewoldt in line to play a number of different roles.
The two-time Coleman medallist kicked 58 goals last season – his lowest return since 2009 – but was hailed for his unselfish play and ability to set up goals.
"We're looking to constantly challenge the opposition with our forward set-up, so Jack at stages will be deep, he'll certainly be up the ground and he might play some various other roles for us," Hardwick said.
"You look at a lot of forward lines - they're very flexible these days, and that's probably what we're after and got a little bit last year."
The Tigers forward line will be made more flexible by the recruitment of former Carlton big man Shaun Hampson, who has enjoyed a faultless pre-season.
Hardwick said the 25-year-old would not only add marking power in attack, but would allow ruck partner Ivan Maric to rotate forward and Ty Vickery to play as a permanent goalkicker.
"Those taller players we're very excited about," Hardwick said.
"We feel as though we can develop [Vickery] as a forward and he's capable of kicking 60 goals a year, which is exciting for us.
"Last year he obviously played 30-40 per cent through the ruck and he plays that role really well.
"Ivan is another player who, through the middle of the ground he's great, but he's also got the capability of marking the ball and kicking goals."
