Hardwick shuffles players, off and on field MICHAEL GLEESON
April 19, 2010 THIS was a Richmond side that was always going to look different. But the four suspensions and six changes from last week were just a taste of what was to come.
Forward Mitch Morton began the game on a wing. Defender Alex Rance started as a forward. Jayden Post, recruited as a forward, began at full-back although he went forward later in the game. Shane Tuck, a bullocking midfielder of questionable disposal abilities, returned to the side to play as a defender while Trent Cotchin and Brett Deledio played out the match behind the ball, not on it.
With the loss to injury of captain Chris Newman, and even Daniel Connors, Richmond needed to get drive from behind the ball, so it used its best midfielders, Cotchin and Deledio, off half-back.
But the number of changes, combined with the inclusion of so many first-gamers was a clear message from Damien Hardwick to not only the fans about the youthful direction of the side but also to his players about the need for flexibility.
''Posty [Jayden Post] started down back and he probably struggled a bit there so we pushed him forward, which meant Alex Rance had to go back, so that was more out of necessity than out of planning to be perfectly honest,'' Hardwick said.
''Tucky can play midfield but we want to try him down back. I thought he was very, very good today both down back and when he came into the midfield. Cotchin was outstanding across half-back just with his leadership and when he gets the ball he sets us up really well. I thought Deledio was good down there, also.''
Richmond's young players all contributed at times. Unfortunately for Matt Dea, his first taste was having a hand in a couple of early Melbourne goals. David Astbury looked capable as a key forward prospect although that will come only with weight on his body and run in his legs. At least he can kick well and convert his chances, which makes a welcome change. Troy Taylor had a few cameos that suggested he might be as exciting as Richmond has promised he would be.
None, however, were as good as Kel Moore who was one of the best players on the ground.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/hardwick-shuffles-players-off-and-on-field-20100418-smkb.html
