Richmond dedicates Port Adelaide win to its dedicated supporters Jesse Hogan
The Age
July 14, 2014 It did not make up for Richmond's underwhelming season, but coach Damien Hardwick was glad its 20-point victory overpremiership contender Port Adelaide offered some respite to its hardiest supporters.
That the attendance at Etihad Stadium on Sunday was only 21,483 was a reflection of the Tigers' inability to deliver on widespread expectations of finals this season, but those that were there demonstrated their appreciation for the tenacity shown against the Power to stifle the latter's hopes of a top-four berth.
"I thought our guys' hardness and ability to win the ball inside then get it outside was really evident on the day. It's something we've worked incredibly hard with over the course of probably the past six weeks ... it was good to see the dividend of that today," Hardwick said.
Asked whether the result was a beacon in an otherwise bleak season, the coach instead explained his lingering regret about the poor start to the season in which they won only three matches in the first 14 rounds.
"There's just been opportunities we haven't finished. It's one of those seasons you look back at and see a couple of sliding-doors moments," he said. "We've been really disappointing. Our fans have been solidified behind us but we just haven't given them the result we're after, so I was glad we could give them one of those today."
Defender Bachar Houli, one of Richmond's best as a creative defender, said the result had vindicated the players' still robust self-confidence.
"We're sitting a bit lower on the ladder than expected, but we just want to show the competition that we're still very, very competitive and right up there with the competition, irrespective of where we are on the ladder," he said.
When the game was in the balance heading into the last quarter – Port Adelaide trailed by just 13 points – the Tigers thwarted the Power's goals with goals to Troy Chaplin (two), Ty Vickery, Jack Riewoldt and Houli. The latter said he was rapt he and the three teammates, all of whom have faced public criticism this season, were able to contribute at an important time.
"I think it was a relief ... obviously it can get to you at times if there's negativity out there," he said. "The main thing for us is to stay focused and on top of things, and think team-first with a great defensive mentality."
While Port Adelaide is renowned for its fitness, and its players confident of their collective ability to run over the top of opponents late in matches, Hardwick said he had not been pessimistic about his team's chances of preserving its lead.
"We're a good last-quarter side as well," he said. "We also knew if we were in front we'd be a fair chance to win, we'd back ourselves in."
Richmond lost midfielder Reece Conca to a heavy, accidental third-quarter collision with Power ruckman Matthew Lobbe. While the groggy Conca was taken from the field on a stretcher Hardwick said he seemed in good spirits after the match.
Conca will be monitored during the week for possible concussion, as will Port's Robbie Gray, who was carried off late in the match after hitting his head on the turf, caused by a late bump as he kicked his fourth goal.
The Richmond coach praised the performances of bookends Alex Rance and Jack Riewoldt who, respectively, played their 100th and 150th match. Rance held Coleman Medal leader Jay Schulz to one goal while Riewoldt's influence went well beyond the three goals he kicked.
"Alex has been terrific for probably a good two months now, and while Jack has got his detractors we know when he plays some really good footy he's a quality player," Hardwick said.
"I thought he [Riewoldt] was terrific today, contested really well. A couple of marks he took where he looked out of position, he was back to the Jack we love ... being really strong over the ball and taking some good contested marks."
Hardwick said Riewoldt's efforts had been consistently good throughout the season, especially in regards to score assists, and that his main flaw had instead been goalkicking accuracy.
"We've been happy with the way he's been playing. He's a real team-first player, which is impressive for a guy who's a full-forward. They're not often built that way but Jack, to his credit, is probably a little too unselfish at times," he said.
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