Tigers to learn more: coach The Age
June 21, 2010 FOR the first nine weeks of the season Richmond coach Damien Hardwick was trying to teach his then winless side to be competitive.
But following three wins from the past four matches, including a 20-point upset against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Saturday night, Tigers coach Damien Hardwick says it's time to advance their education.
Richmond's next lesson will be how to run down the clock in a close finish after it found itself in the rare position of having to protect a two-goal lead in the dying stages of the final term against the Lions.
''We haven't done a lot of situational training like how to ice a clock, so that's something we will address,'' Hardwick said. ''There's so much to be learnt at present.
''I've seen sides try and ice the clock and they usually end up getting scored against, so it's something we have a few strategies in place, but it will cost you a game if you don't train enough.
''We knew we had to maintain possession and find the free bloke, but in all honesty we were out on our feet there in the last quarter.''
Brisbane coach Michael Voss has his own educational demands and wants it known that no one is exempt from being axed, especially full-forward Brendan Fevola whose 200th AFL match was lamentable.
Besides a one goal return from a dubious free kick, he had an air kick, tried to take one handed marks and failed even to kick the ball 40 metres from a set shot.
''I don't believe in giving reasons or excuses for performances like that,'' Voss said.
''I'd consider dropping anyone who doesn't get to the standards that we're after.
''Don't worry; no one is immune in our system.''
One thing Hardwick will not have to teach is how to act and feel confident.
His side has matured on the back of three hard-earned victories, with the win against the Lions arguably the sweetest, as it suggested the Tigers can respond under pressure.
''Confidence in an AFL player is paramount,'' Hardwick said.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/tigers-to-learn-more-coach-20100620-yp98.html
