Kevin Bartlett says the Tigers saga could cost Richmond a finals berth Sam Landsberger
From: Herald Sun
July 04, 2012 RICHMOND legend Kevin Bartlett says if the sleeping pill scandal costs his old side a berth in this year's finals series "people have every right to feel disappointed" in Daniel Connors and Dustin Martin.
Connors was today sacked by the Tigers while Martin was slapped with a two-match suspension after both missed a compulsory training session yesterday.
Bartlett said Richmond's loss to Adelaide last Saturday was disappointing but the Tigers had a terrific draw and could make September for the first time since Danny Frawley led the club to a preliminary final in 2001.
"The Tigers have a chance of maybe playing in the finals for the first time in a very long time," Bartlett said on SEN.
"You don’t want to give up that opportunity to be there and for Dustin Martin to get himself in a situation where it looks like he’s going to be rubbed out for a couple of games and Dan Connors … it’s very disappointing.
Connors sacked, Martin banned for two
"And no Grimes, no King, no Vickery, no Jackson – the Tigers have had a good run with injuries but it’s all falling apart at the wrong end of the season.
"These players need a good foot up the backside if they let the club down."
Bartlett added that "a lot of hard work" went into the rejuvenation at Punt Rd so it was important for the Tigers to remain stable.
Martin's two-match ban sidelines him for matches against cellar-dwellers Melbourne and Gold Coast but he will be back for the crunch Round 17 duel against North Melbourne.
The Roos clash is shaping as crucial to both side's top-eight hopes.
http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/kevin-bartlett-says-the-tigers-saga-could-cost-richmond-a-finals-berth/story-fnelctok-1226416971426