Richmond captain Trent Cotchin and president Gary March have backed star midfielder Dustin Martin to enjoy the best season of his AFL career.

The 21-year-old is one of Richmond’s top players, but there have been concerns about his off-field behaviour.

He received a two-match suspension from the Tigers last season for missing a team recovery session.

Cotchin and March said on Sunday they were rapt with Martin’s pre-season and his attitude.

“He’s had the best preparation he’s had since being at the club,” Cotchin told the AFL website.

Martin now has a part-time job and new assistant coach Mark Williams had helped him settle into his new home.

“‘Choco’ Williams has been fantastic in helping him set up a lot of it and I think we’ll see a lot of benefits from what he’s been doing off-field and away from the club come footy time,” Cotchin said.

“He said he’s more than comfortable just to sit on the couch whereas he’s been a little bored at home before.”

March, who once had Martin living at his home, also said on Channel Nine’s Footy Show he was excited about how the midfielder was shaping up.

The Tigers open their season on Thursday night with their traditional round-one blockbuster against Carlton at the MCG.