One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: one-eyed on May 05, 2014, 02:07:28 PM
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The Tackle: Richmond falls short against Geelong, but at least they’re taking risks again
Mark Robinson
Herald-Sun
May 05, 2014
GALLANTRY is a hideous word in footy because it’s a touch condescending.
You tried, but bad luck.
Try telling that to Richmond players, fans and officials.
The more informed commentary would ask: Where has yesterday’s second half of football been hiding these past three weeks?
The positive is coach Damien Hardwick can point to that second half as evidence to his players that when the A, B and C of football is played, it adds up to some scorching football.
Wasn’t it great to see the run and risk-taking back? Players, yes several players in the one play, ran to create and support and receive the handballs, which opened up Geelong.
Coaches talk about being predictable to their teammates and the Tigers yesterday knew if they ran, they would be used.
It was so different to the tentative and cautious footy which sucked the life out of the game plan against Collingwood and Hawthorn, and for a period against Brisbane.
The risk-taking was infectious.
Brandon Ellis, Nick Vlastuin and Reece Conca suddenly had the verve of last year. These three are critical despite their inexperience. When they play well and play without fear, the Tigers look sharp and hungry. Youth does that. It means Cotchin, Martin and Deledio can assess the next play or the one after that, and not believe that they have to get to every contest.
It creates run and overlap and static footy becomes surge footy.
Clearly, Shaun Grigg had a look at his output. He played part creator, part run-with yesterday and laid five tackles after laying just eight in the first six weeks.
David Astbury and Alex Rance were active at the back, Martin was back in the midfield and influencing rather than loping and the skipper overcame Cameron Guthrie to be prominent at the end.
There were contributions from Tyrone Vickery (two goals), Titch Edwards as the sub and Bachar Houli was backing back into packs.
The desperation came from Daniel Jackson. Thirty-four touches, a game-high 18 contested possessions, five tackles, five clearances. He was exhausted at the end.
That’s how Richmond should play football. That’s how Jackson plays footy. This late bloomer is blossoming, although it’s more an old oak than crimson rose.
Again, where has it been?
The problem is Richmond is 2-5 after seven rounds and need to win 10/11 of 15 to play finals. It is a tough ask but not an impossible one.
They’ve unlocked the mind, now they have to play accordingly.
http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/the-tackle-richmond-falls-short-against-geelong-but-at-least-theyre-taking-risks-again/story-fndv7pj3-1226905115755