Debt busters (afl)

[one-eyed]

Debt busters
By Paul Daffey
6:54 PM Thu 17 Mar, 2011


NICK Riewoldt and Nick Maxwell were the main features at Thursday's gathering of captains at Etihad Stadium; scores of cameras and notebooks were poked under their noses as they fielded questions about their clubs' hopes for success. Chris Newman's task was more modest.

The Richmond skipper had to explain his club's hopes of raising enough money to compete with Collingwood and St Kilda. That battle will begin at tonight's launch of the Fighting Tiger Fund.

Over the next 12 months, the Tigers hope to raise $6 million for the fund. About $5 million of that total has been earmarked to eradicate the club's debt while the balance would go towards the football department.

The Tigers estimate that the Magpies last year spent more than $2 million more than Richmond on its football department. Newman said the players were rapt that the club was addressing the problem.

"The players love it," he said today. "We're all behind it. We'll be donating as well."

Richmond is among the bottom few clubs in terms of expenditure on its football department. The club is facing the reality that it will remain among the bottom few on the ladder unless it raises the cash to compete with the richer clubs.

Newman said extra money in the football department could most notably be used to pay for more assistant coaches, field a stand-alone reserves team and continue refurbishment of the club's Punt Road base. Money could be put into new equipment in areas such as the gym and improved technology to help with analysis.

"It's a huge step to eradicate the debt — one we really need if we are going to compete with the top clubs," Newman said.

Richmond's incapacity to compete with the stronger clubs has been evident even in the practice matches of recent weeks. In the last quarter of the match against Adelaide at Visy Park last Friday, the Tigers fell apart as the Crows organised themselves into a crushing forward press.

Newman admitted that the Tigers' problems were from the centre back to the defensive goalsquare. "Adelaide's press was fantastic," he said. "A lot of our players made uncharacteristic mistakes."

One of the disappointing aspects of the collapse was the poor performance of the leaders in helping out the younger players. Newman spoke to the leaders early this week about pitching in with more voice and guidance, especially in the backline.

Newman said it's essential that he leads by example. "My role on-field is vitally important, particularly in the back half. I must be a calming influence down back and help others up the field."

Newman's role has progressed through his 10 years with the Tigers' defence. A decade ago, there were more isolated duels with the opposition's main small forward, players such as Phil Matera of West Coast.

"You'd find yourself one on one in the goalsquare," he said.

His role now is not so much about shutting down a player as helping to find the best path to attack.

"I've progressed from a back pocket and run-with player to a half-back flanker who's meant to be creative. Half-backs are part of the midfield now."

The Tigers last year finished 15th, with six wins. Newman said he Tigers' main aim this season is simple: "To play consistent football."

"Last year we had a patch in the middle where we won a few games, but throughout the season we dropped off in quarters and lost because of it. We need to address that."

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/109493/default.aspx