COMMITTED defender Steven Morris has been promoted to Richmond's five-man leadership group for 2015.

Morris joins captain Trent Cotchin, Troy Chaplin, Ivan Maric and Brett Deledio in the group, with the retired Daniel Jackson making way.

Tigers coach Damien Hardwick made the announcement at the club's 2014 annual general meeting on Wednesday night.

Highly-credentialed leadership expert Gerard Murphy, a Leading Teams founder, was a key part of the selection process having been appointed as a consultant last month.


"This group was decided upon by the players, and it is an acknowledgement of the important role they play in driving standards and communications between the playing group and the rest of the club," Hardwick said in his speech.

"We are developing and driving leadership across our entire playing group."

Morris has played 64 games in three years at Richmond and is a favourite of Hardwick’s, given his disciplined nature and aggressive tackling pressure.

Cotchin, who recently signed a five-year contract extension, has been given the nod to lead the Tigers for a third straight year.

Hardwick reiterated the message that the club could not rely solely on the leadership group to carry it forward in 2015

"A lot gets made of leadership groups, and while they have a role to play, I am sure each of those players would be the first to say that everyone needs to take on responsibility for leading, whether they have the title or not," Hardwick said.
 
"That will be critical to us improving as a group."

Hardwick said the Tigers had seen some great benefits out of their recent training camp in Townsville.
 
'We weren't allowed to mention the 'H' word (hot), but it was very hot and humid," Hardwick said.
 
"Physically and mentally we have done things that we have not done since I've been at this football club and I'm very excited that we'll get to build on those in the coming pre-seasons."
 
Tigers president Peggy O'Neal outlined the club's priorities, and committed the board to backing a premiership push.
 
"That's the ultimate strategic priority and one we all crave to achieve," O'Neal said.
 
"One that requires great focus and determination and one that is not beyond us, but one that all 18 teams pursue.
 
"We're taking the next big step in this great club's history. We intend to do everything in our power to deliver you a strong and bold premiership club."