MCG to rock as surging Richmond dares to dream against Essendon Jon Ralph
From: Herald Sun
May 14, 2012 THE Tiger Army could help draw a crowd of more than 85,000 on Saturday night as Richmond tests its finals credentials against Essendon.
Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale said the Tigers' supporter base was reawakening and the "Dreamtime at the 'G" crowd was likely to eclipse last year's 83,563.
Richmond captain Chris Newman yesterday labelled the contest a "huge test" considering Essendon's electric start to the season.
The Tigers are aware Essendon is in red-hot form but after toppling Sydney, Gale said Richmond was finally delivering consistent form.
"There are going to be two big armies going at it on Saturday night and I hope the fans get along to what is becoming a very big event," Gale said.
"Both sides are in form. Essendon is in terrific form and it's an eagerly anticipated event. People want to support reconciliation and closing the gap, and it is an event that even non-football people go to, so we would hope for a crowd of 80,000 plus."
Newman said the Tigers were finally sustaining intensity throughout games but would face one of their sternest tests against second-placed Essendon.
"Both teams are playing pretty good football," Newman said on Channel 9.
"Essendon are obviously playing outstanding football and disposed of West Coast pretty easily.
"I think our intensity has lifted. Certainly we've fallen away in patches of a game but, for the most part, I think we're keeping our intensity up to a level where we're staying competitive."
The Tigers were criticised for daring to dream entering Round 1, but Gale was pleased with the methodical improvement under coach Damien Hardwick.
The Tigers were criticised for daring to dream entering Round 1, but Gale was pleased with the methodical improvement under coach Damien Hardwick.
"Damien made no secret of the fact we needed to improve our defence all over the ground, and I think we have," Gale said.
"(Dylan) Grimes, and (Steven) Morris and Jake Batchelor have taken the next step and we are staying in games where in the last couple of years we have been blown off the park.
"We are approaching 49,000 members so we are confident with a few good showings in the next few weeks we will go past 50,000."
Newman told Channel Nine ruck recruit Ivan Maric and reborn midfielder Nathan Foley were keys to the resurgence.
"Ivan's been really good for us coming in and providing first use for our midfield and his intensity around the football, and he's providing a few goals for us which has been outstanding," he said.
"Axel's (Foley) been fantastic. He looks like he's got a bit of a spring in his step this year. He was struck down with injury and sort of battling through last year, and he's had a full preseason. He's fit and very hard to deal with when he gets the footy in hand."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/more-news/mcg-to-rock-as-surging-richmond-dares-to-dream-against-essendon/story-e6frf9jf-1226354315685
