Tigers brace for onslaughtBy Paul Daffey
[2:31 PM Wed 18 Apr, 2012RICHMOND defender Bachar Houli says the Tigers expect a pumped-up Geelong to serve it up to them in their match at Simonds Stadium on Sunday.
Geelong coach Chris Scott today berated his players for losing the contested possession count in their three games this season, with last year's premiers winning just once in the first three rounds.
Houli said the Tigers plan to concentrate on winning the tough ball against what's expected to be a fierce Cats onslaught.
"They're known for their contested football," Houli said of Geelong.
"They’ve been a little bit off in that area of the game, so we know we know they're going to come out roaring. We've got a big, big challenge this week, especially when their coach comes out and makes a crack about contested football.
"We've just got to put it up to them, and be competitive nice and early."
Richmond has lost to Carlton and Collingwood and defeated Melbourne in the opening three rounds.
The Tigers lost the contested possession count against Carlton (-15) and Collingwood (-18), but won in that area against Melbourne (+14).
Geelong has lost the contested possession count to Fremantle (-18), Hawthorn (-10) and North Melbourne (-12) in their opening three matches.
In its loss against North Melbourne last Sunday, Geelong had 58 fewer possessions and 13 fewer clearances.
Only the bottom three clubs, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney, have conceded more points than the Cats.
Richmond defeated the Cats by 59 points in their NAB Cup clash at Simonds Stadium in early March, with Houli admitting the Tigers were surprised with the way Geelong played.
"We scored six or seven goals in a row and thought, 'What's going on here?'" he said.
"But credit's got to be given where it's due. Our competitive football was second-to-none."
The Richmond half-back, who has been in good touch with 20, 26 and 29 disposals in the first three rounds, said the Tigers are aiming to play in the finals.
"Our development period is over," he said.
"We’re not giving players games just for experience. This is our year to shine.
"We're aiming for finals football and nothing less."
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