Martin to spend more time up forward in 2017

Richmond star Dustin Martin will have a slightly new role in 2017.

Tigers' assistant coach Justin Leppitsch says Martin will spend more time in the forward line next season, following the addition of more midfield talent in the off-season.

Geelong midfielder and Gold Coast onballer Dion Prestia both joined Richmond during October's trade period, adding valuable depth and talent to the Tigers' engine room.

As a result, Martin, who is a difficult much up when in the forward line and can kick goals from the midfield, will be able to use those assets more next year.

"That's the plan (for Martin to spend more time up forward). The depth of midfield we have that can play forward, with all of those players – Caddy, Prestia, Martin and Cotchin – that's going to be our strength this year," Leppitsch said on RSN radio on Monday morning.

"If we can harness and keep those players on the field as long as we can … that will be a tactic I'm sure we're looking at for the whole season.

"But as you know, you start the season with a tactic and how it ends is often different."

Martin, who played almost entirely as a midfielder this season, kicked nine goals from 22 games in 2016, 15 fewer than in 2015 and his lowest return for his career. He has kicked a total of 150 goals in 153 goals with Richmond.