Tigers have more convincing to do: Wallace
12:51:31 AM Sun 22 May, 2005
Andrew Browne
Exclusive to richmondfc.com.au
Despite the narrow and gutsy four-point win over the Lions at the Gabba on Saturday night, Richmond coach Terry Wallace says the football world is still yet to be convinced about the Tigers.
And while they continue to make the early running, he remains wary of the competition's ability to dramatically change complexion in the second half of the season.
"I don't think we will necessarily silence our critics for quite some time," replied Wallace on Saturday night when asked if the Tigers had proved themselves following their first victory at the Lions' den since 2000.
"We have (only) proved that we are winning games of footy and that we can fight through the tough ones."
The question was also raised whether Nathan Brown's remarks last week that the Tigers could finish in the top four had placed extra pressure on the club.
Wallace conceded he might have handled things a bit differently, but believed the comments only illustrated Brown's faith in the team.
"It is fair wrap on them (the players) that Browny would go public this early in the season to back ourselves in - I thought that was a strong and positive call from him," he said before once again clarifying the club's aspirations for this year as they celebrated their seventh win.
"We have never ever said anything more than wanting to be competitive this year and be a more attacking side.
"Like every other side in the competition we would like to make the eight and in a competition where half the teams make the finals, that should be your aim and ambition.
"We won't change from that or step away from that - that is where we are heading."
The Tigers have early wins on the board setting themselves up for a finals berth, but Wallace knows positions can change dramatically as the season progresses.
"It is a very unusual season to say the least with some very strange results," he said cautiously.
"You would think in the back-half of the season you would have some sides flying home late to try and make up some ground."
Another test of the Tigers credibility will come at the Telstra Dome on Friday night when they face an unpredictable Melbourne, who spoiled Carlton's farewell to Optus Oval on Saturday.
"They are a good mature side and it is going to be a tough assignment for our guys, but all we can do is take them on head-first and see where we go," he said.
http://richmondfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=204258Terry still smartly keeping a lid on things. You've got to love how each week he presents the upcoming game as a new challenge to keep everyone up but focussed and mentally refreshed
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