In Andrew Collins, Richmond finally seem to have uncovered an effective foil for star goalkicker Jack Riewoldt.

While Riewoldt is a shock leader in the Coleman medal race with 58 majors from 15 matches, the Tigers have been struggling to find other productive routes to goal, especially with Mitch Morton languishing in the VFL.

But their recent turnaround in form has coincided with Collins booting 11 goals in the last five rounds - four of which have been Richmond victories.

Crumbers Ben Nason (13) and Robin Nahas (11) are the only other Tigers in double figures.

Collins - who is equally dangerous overhead or once the ball hits the ground - spent two seasons overcoming osteitis pubis before enjoying a breakthrough season as a midfielder in 2009.

This year, the 21-year-old, who admits he has "always enjoyed kicking a goal", has been an integral part of the side's resurgence after being moved forward by new coach Damien Hardwick.

He paid credit to Ben Cousins and Riewoldt on Tuesday.

"(Riewoldt) is playing some great football and he's had a big influence on the blokes around him because he's really straightened us up with someone who's a real focal point to," said Collins.

"You sort of kick it to him and you nearly expect him to mark it these days or you at least know he's going to get it to ground.

"I suppose we're trying to keep a little bit of a lid on it but it's great watching his highlights and the job he's doing for the side at the moment is great."

Cousins missed the win over Fremantle after being hospitalised following an adverse reaction to sleeping medication but Collins said he should rejoin the side this week.

"I'm not sure what the match committee are about to do but I'd be very hopeful that he'd be out there with us," he said.

"I think he deserves to be - we walk taller when he's out there with us.

"He's been really good. Obviously (with me) starting out in the midfield he's been huge for me.

"He gives me a lot of advice, just on how to prepare. He's great with his food intake and (has helped with) all sorts of things about preparing for a game of footy."

Collins said the club's recent turnaround after beginning the year with nine straight losses was simply a matter of the players becoming accustomed to Hardwick's game plan.

"We're excited for the rest of the season but we haven't changed anything from rounds one to nine - we've just been trying to go down the same path with our game plan that we're learning.

"I suppose we have come a fair way but we're not getting ahead of ourselves at all," he said.

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