Hardwick's aftermatch media conference / Depth charge (afl site)

[one-eyed]

Depth charge
By Nick Bowen
Sat 14 Apr, 2012


THE EMERGING depth of Richmond's midfield was one of the highlights of Saturday's 59-point win over Melbourne, Tigers coach Damien Hardwick says.

In recent seasons, the Tigers have assembled one of the most exciting young midfields in the competition with Brett Deledio, 25 next week, Trent Cotchin, 22, and Dustin Martin, 20.

But Hardwick said the ability of a revitalised Nathan Foley, still just 26, second-year player Reece Conca and 2011 draftee Brandon Ellis to have an impact through the midfield against the Demons suggested the Tigers were developing the onball depth they'd need to become a top team.

"Conca, Ellis, these type of players, [they are] the players that we need to step up for us to become a better side," Hardwick said after the game.

"You constantly hear about Cotchin, Deledio, Martin, these types of players, but [for] Grigg to have 35-plus possessions and 'Axel' Foley I thought showed signs of circa 2007-08 when he started to run and carry the ball a bit more.

"So it was really good for those guys but also important for us as a side that those guys continue to step up because the situation is if those guys (Cotchin, Deledio and Martin) get shut down, we need other guys to come through that midfield and perform admirably."

Grigg and Foley, in particular, were able to cover for Cotchin when he was held to just eight possessions in the first half by Demons run-with player Jordie McKenzie.

But Cotchin's ability to rebound in the second half, when he spent more time on the forward line and kicked three goals, was another pleasing sign, Hardwick said.

Hardwick said Cotchin always had the ability to play as a forward but had rarely had the opportunity to do so given the Tigers' previous lack of depth in the midfield.

"Now with Ellis, Conca, Grigg and those type of players standing up and coming through, it's certainly allowed us to do that a little bit more," Hardwick said of Cotchin's forward stints.

Another key part of the Tigers' midfield dominance against Melbourne was evergreen veteran Shane Tuck, 30.

While Tuck has appeared on the outer at times during Hardwick's coaching reign, he was outstanding against Melbourne, racking up 32 disposals, 12 clearances and 11 tackles.

Hardwick said the greater emphasis on contests since the introduction of the substitute rule last season had ensured Tuck remained a vital player for the Tigers.

"I think it has become a highly contested game and … clearances have become so important," Hardwick said.

"Those players who can win clearances and can win contested ball are certainly valuable. [Tuck's] never had pace on his side but he just continues to get the ball and get it going our way."

But with their first win on the board, things don't get any easier for the Tigers, with a trip to Simonds Stadium to meet reigning premier Geelong their next assignment.

Hardwick, for one, is looking forward to it.

"It's going to be an enormous challenge for our guys. It's certainly a test of our side," he said.

http://www.afl.com.au/News/NEWSARTICLE/tabid/208/newsId/133069/Default.aspx

[one-eyed]

Here's the vision of Dimma's post-match press conference...

http://www.richmondfc.com.au/roar%20vision%20archive/tabid/11454/contentid/440070/default.aspx

[tony_montana]

need more depth in midfield, granted we now go 2 rotations deep instead of one, need several more soldier types before we become serious finals contenders

[Ox]

Yawn

[one-eyed]

Unsung Richmond players step up at the MCG

    Warwick Green
    From: Sunday Herald Sun
    April 15, 2012

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick praised his second-tier players for lifting their game and carrying the Tigers to a 10-goal win over Melbourne at the MCG.
Grigg

Grigg gets a kick away under pressure. Picture: Michael Dodge Herald Sun

With Trent Cotchin well held by Jordie McKenzie in the first half and Dustin Martin patchy, the Tigers relied on Shaun Grigg and Reece Conca, who had-career-high disposals, and seasoned players Nathan Foley and Shane Tuck.

"That was probably a highlight of the game for us. Conca, (Brandon) Ellis, these type of players, the players we need to step up for us to become a better side," Hardwick said.

"We constantly talk about Cotchin, (Brett) Deledio, Martin, but for Grigg to have 35-plus possessions, and 'Axel' Foley, I thought showed some signs of his 2007-08 form. He started to run and carry the ball a bit more.

"So it was really good for those guys, but also important for us as a side that those guys continue to step up, because the situation is that if (the big names) get shut down we need other guys to come through that midfield and perform admirably."

Hardwick said he welcomed the challenge of taking on Geelong at Simonds Stadium on Sunday.

"We want to bridge the gap between us and the top four to five sides, and we get another opportunity this week," he said.

"We've been OK, without getting the chocolates versus Collingwood and Carlton, but we're certainly looking forward to the challenge on their own dunghole, which is a challenge in itself. I think they unveil the flag as well, so anything else they want to throw at us, good luck."

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/more-news/unsung-richmond-players-step-up-at-the-mcg/story-e6frf9jf-1226326665423

[tigtuff12]

good to see some of the youngsters coming through and making an impact - even better that some of them are the likes of Ellis & Concs who are already better kicks than the majority of "fringe mids" like Jacko & Edwards etc that have been rotating through there in the past...Concs attack on the ball & man is super too for a second yearer...  Also happy that Dimma appears to have been able to swallow his pride and/or preconceived ideas on Tucky & give him a run - was superb yesterday (despite his obvious flaws)