Amid promising signs of a potential breakout year under new coach Adem Yze, Richmond midfielder Thomson Dow is focussing on the basics as he eyes a starting spot in the Tigers' midfield ensemble.
Dow finished the 2023 campaign in Richmond's side for the final three matches of the year, ending his fourth season on a high with a career-best 27 disposals against Port Adelaide.
An impressive pre-season to date has the Swan Hill junior eyeing a key role as an inside midfielder in Yze's plans, with Dow looking to work his way up the Punt Road pecking order.
The 22-year-old was among the starting onballers in the Tigers' most recent intra-club session and would end the evening among the game's best performers while battling with star pairing Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper.
Knowing an Opening Round spot won't be easy to come by, Dow has placed a focus on building his fitness and further honing his midfield craft in the hope of facing Gold Coast early next month.
Speaking to media in Mildura on Thursday, the emerging Tiger said Yze and his staff have been a great resource of support.
"It's just another year in the system while having a few fresh faces in Yze, Chris Newman and (Jack) Ziebell coming in to help give me a leg up,"
"Nothing really changes, I just keep going about my business. But building a good fitness tank is always important, and for me, that's even more important. So a good pre-season always helps.
"[Yze] always says to just back myself in at the contest, because he does. So it's important that I do as well."
Dow could double his career games tally in the yellow and black this year alone, having amassed just the 17 appearances since his debut in 2020.
Training alongside his brother, Paddy, since the end of last year is sure to play a factor in building Dow's fitness and hope of more senior action in the middle.
The Richmond midfielder said he's keen to go head-to-head with his older brother, who moved to St Kilda over the off-season, this year,
"We tried to do every session together. It can be hard with different sessions, but we did a lot together which was good" Dow said of his relationship with his brother.
"I haven't played against him in an AFL game, only in a VFL match. But hopefully (we clash).
"We play the Saints at Gather Round, so we'll see how it goes."
Richmond are scheduled to face Gold Coast at Heritage Bank Stadium on Saturday, March 9 as part of the Opening Round draw.