Dustin Martin has been a mainstay of the Tigers’ midfield again this season but has been joined by a few unfamiliar faces.
Jack Ross and Jack Higgins both spent time in the middle until Round 7, while defender Nick Vlastuin — who spent just two per cent of his time in the middle in Rounds 1-7 before 98 per cent of last week’s game — and Josh Caddy moved in in recent weeks.
“It’s been really exciting, and it’s amazing sometimes when players step out, players step up to fill the void,” Hardwick said.
“I’ve asked Josh Caddy in the last couple of weeks to come through there, Nick Vlastuin stood in last week and played a role for us and Dion’s (Prestia) probably had his most consistent year since being at our club.
“Another challenge will be for filling a role this week and who that is we’ll wait and see … but our expectation is that those players rise to the challenge and they have done with every step so far. It’s good contest for us.”
Source: Herald-Sun
