One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: one-eyed on March 26, 2009, 03:34:35 AM
-
Terry's boys must start playing defence tonight
Mark Robinson | March 26, 2009 12:00am
THE truth now confronts Terry Wallace and his Tigers. The truth about tackling and defensive pressure. In 2009, they must defend or they will die.
Richmond and Wallace tonight begin the most important season of their past five together, but if the trend that has haunted this group continues, Wallace will be looking for a job and the Tigers a new coach at season's end.
Richmond finished 16th in tackles last year, 267 behind league leader Geelong.
In the four years under Wallace, the Tigers - how ironic the nickname - have buttered up 13th (2005), 13th (2006), 16th (2007) and 16th (2008) in tackles.
Under Wallace, they have won the tackle count in just 29 of 88 games and executed 531 tackles fewer than its opponents, clearly the worst of any team.
It was 1072 tackles less than the Brisbane Lions in the same period.
These are the stats. But stats merely confirm the story.
The Tigers have re-built in the past four seasons and offensively are ready to play finals.
They were the fifth-highest scorer last year, but goals are only half the solution.
The flip side is defensive pressure; tackling, harassing, second and third efforts, sacrifices and the unselfishness.
Basically, it's the Brad Sewell approach to football.
Zone football or not, tackling is the most wonderful example of character football.
One tackle can turn a game. It sends a powerful message, it lifts teammates, it defines belief and it make opponents nervous.
The Tigers lack character as a football team.
Wallace must accept responsibility as coach and the players as a team, but they can change it, for their destiny is theirs to be carved.
To achieve, though, players have to adjust their attitude.
Last year, the AFL average was 2.45 tackles a game per player.
Eight Tigers, who played 11 games or more, were above the average. There were 15 below.
Just three of their top five tacklers - Shane Tuck (84), Nathan Foley (75) and Kane Johnson (54) - finished in the top 10 in their best and fairest.
Richmond's playmakers have to lift.
Matthew Richardson (0.6 tackles a game equates to 12 for the 2008 season), Jordan McMahon (1.6), Nathan Brown (1.7), Kelvin Moore (1.8), Chris Newman (2.0), Brett Deledio (2.2), Mitch Morton (2.1), Joel Bowden (2.2) and Shane Edwards (1.9) have to improve their output.
Maybe simply one tackle a game.
Add to them Ben Cousins, who is a prolific ball-winner, but not a prolific tackler.
In a sense, the players and Wallace like flair football. But flair can take you only so far.
Richmond's problem is not enough players instinctively switch from offensive to defensive mindset.
They attack the footy unquestionably, but if they miss it, some give the impression they are thinking about their next possession.
Meanwhile, the opposition is away.
Sewell goes for the ball once, twice, and if he still misses it, he hunts the man. Watch last year's Grand Final, the third quarter.
The Tigers have a talented list, but Wallace knows he has to complement that with a defensive mindset.
That's why Matthew White (3.2 tackles a game last year), Richard Tambling (3.3) and Daniel Jackson (3.5) are important to the team.
It's why Wallace recruited hard nuts Adam Thomson and Tom Hislop and it's why Wallace likes Alex Rance.
It's why Shane Tuck (3.8) and Nathan Foley (3.6) are crucial in the midfield, and it's why the injured Mark Coughlan has left too big a hole.
In the four years under Wallace, Coughlan led allcomers with a tackle average of 4.0.
"We need to be defensively more sound," Wallace told the Herald Sun earlier this month.
"Offensively, we were sixth in the competition, but defensively we weren't good enough, be that tackling, prevention of inside 50s, that's the area of our game that needed to improve.
"So what we've spent more time doing is how we're going to structure up to be defensively more sound, than running into brick walls trying to tackle blokes."
The pre-season saw improvement.
The Collingwood game was abysmal - just 26 tackles - but their differential from Round 1 of the NAB Cup to the final practice game was -29, -21, -20 and then -6 against the Lions.
It's a message Wallace can use, but, again, they are numbers.
In essence, it is about character.
For the Tigers, the journey begins tonight.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,25242727-19742,00.html
-
NOW YOU ARE TALKING MY LANGUAGE
YOU BLOODY BEAUTY ROBBO.
SPOT ON CHAMP
1005 CORRECT
-
Bring
Back
Cogs
-
I agree Tackling needs to become a greater priority for our team. Robbo is also correct in saying we have focused on our offensive game to the detriment(sp?) of our defensive game but this is something TW is fully aware of.
It will be interesting to see our tackle count this season given the pressure we are placed under. I think we will be far more defensive this year with the implemention of the rolling zone into our defensive tactics.
Richo needs to have a good hard look at himself really when it comes to his defensive game. 0.6 a game is terrible and even though is is such a powerful offensive weapon to us he can't be that unaccountable towards opponents and not expect his defender not to hurt us going the other way. Tonight I suspect Gibbs will do just that.
McMahon is another player who has no excuses not to have a higher tackle count afterall he is a defender. I understand he is a 'rebounding' defender and an 'outside' player but surely he can support his teammates and aid further pressure to the opposition through tackles sometimes.
Browny is an curious one. He is a forward yes but he is playing further up the ground in recent times. Perhaps he is still fearful of reinjuring himself? He needs to pressure the rebounding defenders from the other team if we are to stop our worrying trend of getting hurt so often from turnovers.
Edwards and LIds also need to improve this part of their games if they wish to continue to improve.
Good article and I hope we are already addressing it.
Stripes
-
When you have culprits from Richardson down to Deledio you know it's endemic.
Our emphasis on tackling has not been anywhere near enough in this Wallace coached team.
-
NOW YOU ARE TALKING MY LANGUAGE
YOU BLOODY BEAUTY ROBBO.
SPOT ON CHAMP
1005 CORRECT
Now Daniel take this with humour intended but are you sure Robbo's 100% correct
That's why Matthew White (3.2 tackles a game last year), Richard Tambling (3.3) and Daniel Jackson (3.5) are important to the team.
Just breathe ... just breathe :rollin :rollin
:santa
:gotigers :gotigers
Sorry mate couldn't resist :thumbsup
NB: Very fair article by Robbo BTW
-
Terry's boys must start playing defence tonight
Mark Robinson | March 26, 2009 12:00am
THE truth now confronts Terry Wallace and his Tigers. The truth about tackling and defensive pressure. In 2009, they must defend or they will die.
Richmond and Wallace tonight begin the most important season of their past five together, but if the trend that has haunted this group continues, Wallace will be looking for a job and the Tigers a new coach at season's end.
Richmond finished 16th in tackles last year, 267 behind league leader Geelong.
In the four years under Wallace, the Tigers - how ironic the nickname - have buttered up 13th (2005), 13th (2006), 16th (2007) and 16th (2008) in tackles.
Under Wallace, they have won the tackle count in just 29 of 88 games and executed 531 tackles fewer than its opponents, clearly the worst of any team.
It was 1072 tackles less than the Brisbane Lions in the same period.
These are the stats. But stats merely confirm the story.
The Tigers have re-built in the past four seasons and offensively are ready to play finals.
They were the fifth-highest scorer last year, but goals are only half the solution.
The flip side is defensive pressure; tackling, harassing, second and third efforts, sacrifices and the unselfishness.
Basically, it's the Brad Sewell approach to football.
Zone football or not, tackling is the most wonderful example of character football.
One tackle can turn a game. It sends a powerful message, it lifts teammates, it defines belief and it make opponents nervous.
The Tigers lack character as a football team.
Wallace must accept responsibility as coach and the players as a team, but they can change it, for their destiny is theirs to be carved.
To achieve, though, players have to adjust their attitude.
Last year, the AFL average was 2.45 tackles a game per player.
Eight Tigers, who played 11 games or more, were above the average. There were 15 below.
Just three of their top five tacklers - Shane Tuck (84), Nathan Foley (75) and Kane Johnson (54) - finished in the top 10 in their best and fairest.
Richmond's playmakers have to lift.
Matthew Richardson (0.6 tackles a game equates to 12 for the 2008 season), Jordan McMahon (1.6), Nathan Brown (1.7), Kelvin Moore (1.8), Chris Newman (2.0), Brett Deledio (2.2), Mitch Morton (2.1), Joel Bowden (2.2) and Shane Edwards (1.9) have to improve their output.
Maybe simply one tackle a game.
Add to them Ben Cousins, who is a prolific ball-winner, but not a prolific tackler.
In a sense, the players and Wallace like flair football. But flair can take you only so far.
Richmond's problem is not enough players instinctively switch from offensive to defensive mindset.
They attack the footy unquestionably, but if they miss it, some give the impression they are thinking about their next possession.
Meanwhile, the opposition is away.
Sewell goes for the ball once, twice, and if he still misses it, he hunts the man. Watch last year's Grand Final, the third quarter.
The Tigers have a talented list, but Wallace knows he has to complement that with a defensive mindset.
That's why Matthew White (3.2 tackles a game last year), Richard Tambling (3.3) and Daniel Jackson (3.5) are important to the team.
It's why Wallace recruited hard nuts Adam Thomson and Tom Hislop and it's why Wallace likes Alex Rance.
It's why Shane Tuck (3.8) and Nathan Foley (3.6) are crucial in the midfield, and it's why the injured Mark Coughlan has left too big a hole.
In the four years under Wallace, Coughlan led allcomers with a tackle average of 4.0.
"We need to be defensively more sound," Wallace told the Herald Sun earlier this month.
"Offensively, we were sixth in the competition, but defensively we weren't good enough, be that tackling, prevention of inside 50s, that's the area of our game that needed to improve.
"So what we've spent more time doing is how we're going to structure up to be defensively more sound, than running into brick walls trying to tackle blokes."
The pre-season saw improvement.
The Collingwood game was abysmal - just 26 tackles - but their differential from Round 1 of the NAB Cup to the final practice game was -29, -21, -20 and then -6 against the Lions.
It's a message Wallace can use, but, again, they are numbers.
In essence, it is about character.
For the Tigers, the journey begins tonight.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,25242727-19742,00.html
Finally Robbo has made a constructive article.
-
Mmmm, some interesting stats there, we mst lift in this area. I have said it a million times before, forward pressure, no turnovers and lots of tackles win games. If we let them run the ball from our forward line to ours with ease we are goners!!
Come on boys lift.
-
What a thought provoking article, it is obvious that it is a problem but then you look at our best performers in this area
That's why Matthew White (3.2 tackles a game last year), Richard Tambling (3.3) and Daniel Jackson (3.5) are important to the team.
One of these players is highly bagged and the other two were highly bagged and are starting to get some credibility with our supporters. While on the other hand our most lauded players are shown deficient in this area.
While McMahon is obviously deficient in this area I cant honestly see how he could turn into a tackling dynamo, it is just not in his style IMO. Long term in the role he is performing a replacement is needed that is more accountable.
-
... so we died :banghead
-
touche.
-
What a thought provoking article, it is obvious that it is a problem but then you look at our best performers in this area
That's why Matthew White (3.2 tackles a game last year), Richard Tambling (3.3) and Daniel Jackson (3.5) are important to the team.
One of these players is highly bagged and the other two were highly bagged and are starting to get some credibility with our supporters. While on the other hand our most lauded players are shown deficient in this area.
While McMahon is obviously deficient in this area I cant honestly see how he could turn into a tackling dynamo, it is just not in his style IMO. Long term in the role he is performing a replacement is needed that is more accountable.
Listen to you crap on about Mcmahon
"NOT HIS STYLE" The guy is a loose cannon and the TW needs to be accountable for recruiting him and Tambling. Geez we got those 2 so wrong.
Dont get me started on Schulz FFS we are the laughing stock of the AFL whilst we continue with these guys and let descent players like Polo sit on the sidelines
-
Jordie and Blingers are like chalk and cheese as far as defensive pressure and willingness to chase and tackle.
Robbo spot on with his article sadly. Our dumb turnovers don't help either. Kicking down an opponent's throat when all your teammates have peeled off means all their teammates are free and goal side of your men.
-
Robbo is a phrophet....
Blingers was very good last night, ditto Matty White.. they chase and chase some more....
-
Robbo is a phrophet....
Blingers was very good last night, ditto Matty White.. they chase and chase some more....
You have got to be joking WP. TW probably thinkls the same way as you which is why we will be a rabble for another year.
15 possessions is not enough for any player like Tambling. Its about the whole package. he chases then what????????
Doesn't know what to do with it thats what.
mcmahon is just an imbecile that 90% of you on this site defended him time and time again.
Only Jack, I, tigermonk and a handfull of others can see what a an absoloute dud this fuqwit is.
Raines is back. No worries what i saw was half a dozen clear clangers whihc demonstrate HE HASN'T CHANGED.
Terry Wallace will be judged on what he has done in 5 years and IMO it has been nothing. How we get it wrong at the recruiting table baffles me.
same old richmond, same old mistakes, same old skill errors, same old few leading the way.
I couldn't care less if we lose against Geelong now. If it means its the 2nd nail in his coften then so be it.
He has brought this club to its knees with his recruting
-
Tambling was clearly one of our best players last night (I know that doesn't say a lot)
McMahon was unsighted or terrible when he was sighted
-
same old richmond, same old mistakes, same old skill errors, same old few leading the way.
No one was leading the way last night Daniel.
And that includes your man Richo who was playing on Waite and allowed him to carve us up and kick three goals in the first half all the time while Richo was ineffective.
Our other prime player in Lids got the tagger Foley usually has and had little impact on the game at all.
You can keep on picking the easy targets but it wasnt just the same old whipping boys last night
-
same old richmond, same old mistakes, same old skill errors, same old few leading the way.
No one was leading the way last night Daniel.
And that includes your man Richo who was playing on Waite and allowed him to carve us up and kick three goals in the first half all the time while Richo was ineffective.
Our other prime player in Lids got the tagger Foley usually has and had little impact on the game at all.
You can keep on picking the easy targets but it wasnt just the same old whipping boys last night
richo has that many runs on the board than you can poke a stick at.
To include him in your statement is very shallow. That guy bleeds for this club and you just have to see what happened in the goal square when he missed that mark, resulting in a goal to the blues. HE WAS HURT, HE WAS ANGRY, HE WAS EMBARASSED.
Now you watch that footage and then you watch footage of your love children JOGGING around not giving a toss about their own teamates.
NOT GIVING AN ABSOLUTE FU.. ABOUT OUR CLUB IS HOW SOME OF THOSE PLAYERS PLAY AND BEHAVE AND ME LIKE MANY HAVE HAD A GUT
SPINELESS, GUTLESS AND HEARTLESS IS WHAT THOSE PLAYERS REPRESENTED LAST NIGHT, AND HAVE REPRESENTED SINCE WE LAST PLAYED FINALS.
-
To include him in your statement is very shallow.
Not shallow, it was my way of saying that after that crap dished out everyone needs to be looked at. That includes everyone on or off field probably apart from Morton.
-
McMahon had 4 tackles last night...
18 other players wearing the yellow and black had less...
Fev had 5 tackles alone..
-
McMahon had 4 tackles last night...
18 other players wearing the yellow and black had less...
Fev had 5 tackles alone..
Hang on let me get this right.
WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
Mcmahon had 4 tackles. Gees he is a start worth that top 20 pick now surely he is.
Get real he is rubbish
4 tackles and they probably got the ball out
-
Better effort this week although big improvements can still be made.
By the way for the year Jackson and White are leading the tackle count with 10 each averaging 5 per game.
These two players work in this regard cant be underestimated, while they are not as flashy as other players they are contributing in a not overly apparent way.
-
Yesterday's intensity and pressure needs to become the norm each and every week against all sides rather than a one off because the team is copping stuff and because we were playing Geelong. If we do that we will still win more games than we'll lose.
-
If we do that we will still win more games than we'll lose.
Many more. We already have more ability than many - hardness and pressure are our short suits.