David King believes that Richmond are once again the team to emulate this season due to the ferocious pressure that was on full display in their opening JLT pre-season game.
The reigning premiers showed no mercy as they smashed Essendon by 87 points in Wangaratta.
Essendon, who has been fancied as a top four contender this season, weren't given an inch with Richmond's constant pressure on the ball. The Tigers fielded a near full strength side and they were up to last season's trademark best - which again was led by their small forwards.
Speaking on SEN Mornings, King feels Damien Hardwickโs side are set to be the benchmark in 2018.
โTheyโre flying the Tiges,โ King said.
โI think their game plan, built on pressure, has just gone to a new level.
โIf you are not prepared to tackle, if you donโt harass, you donโt play for Richmond.
โTheyโre going to be, again, the best team without the football in the competition this year, challenging those to come to that standard.โ
Premiership star Jack Graham set the standard with right tackles, while Corey Ellis was also impressive with six tackles. Josh Caddy continued his elite pressure around the ball registering five tackles for the match.
Richmond face the Kangaroos in their final hit out before the start of the season, on March 7 at Ikon Park.
