Richmond coach Damien Hardwick was full of praise for Tom Lynch following the forward's strong marking display against Fremantle on Sunday.
Lynch entered the match under a mountain of pressure following three lean weeks in front of goal.
AFL great Matthew Lloyd had even labelled him a liability up forward, criticising the former Sun's lack of agility at ground level.
Lynch was wayward at times against the Dockers, finishing with 2.2 in the 25-point win.
But it was his power marking that stood out, tallying six contested marks opposed to star defender Alex Pearce.
"I thought he was outstanding," Hardwick said.
"He looked really strong in the air. We freed him up a little bit.
"We ask him to play certain way but I think we saw tonight he is starting to get an understanding of what his strengths are.
"And I am getting an understanding of what his strengths are also."
Lynch underwent surgery on his posterior cruciate ligament last year and Hardwick is urging people to be more patient with the prized recruit.
"We know he is going to be a good player," Hardwick said.
"He is coming off a significant injury that will take some time - we understand and accept that. But he was a solid contributor again, which was great."
Richmond's fifth win of the season moved them into sixth spot on the ladder.
But they will be without ruckman Toby Nankervis (groin) and first-year midfielder Jack Ross (ankle) for Sunday's clash with Hawthorn at the MCG.
Hardwick is hopeful Nick Vlastuin and Daniel Rioli will be fit to return from injury against the Hawks.
Richmond displayed plenty of grit to overcome Fremantle despite having only two fit players on the bench in the second half.
But they also displayed plenty of razzle dazzle in attack, with Shai Bolton announcing himself as a future star with four goals.
Although they were all class, it was Bolton's defensive aspects that excited Hardwick most.
"He had six tackles tonight. That's what gets him a game every week," Hardwick said.
"He has more offensive ability than probably most guys in the AFL.
"But once he shows us defensively what he is about and we are seeing that now, he is a really valuable player for us going forward."
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