'No ceiling' for Hardwick's Tigers, but big test in Adelaide awaitsJon Pierik
The Age
25 April 2017Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has praised his team's ability to remain unfazed in tough times and says there is no "ceiling" on where the Tigers could finish this year.
The unbeaten Tigers have set up a mouth-watering clash against the undefeated Crows in Adelaide on Sunday after storming to a 13-point win against Melbourne on Anzac Day eve at the MCG.
Young Lions impress keep the Dogs honest, flying Kanga takes a screamer, Cat chases down Jack Steven's mullet, Cyril rolls out the genius playbook and Riewoldt has a night out in the wet to sink the Dees.
Trailing by 20 points at three quarter-time, the Tigers booted five goals to none in the final term to extend their unbeaten start to the season to five matches - the first time they have done so since 1995. It was also the first time since 1989 they had won after trailing by 20 points or more at the final change.
Jack Riewoldt was superb with six goals, including two in the final term, the latter a remarkable set shot from just inside the boundary with five minutes remaining which regained the lead.
Ruckman Toby Nankervis, with 56 hit outs, midfield bull Dustin Martin (32 disposals, nine clearances) and key defender Alex Rance were also instrumental in a win where the Demons had only two fit men on the bench, and another - Christian Petracca - limited because of a knee problem.
"Our guys have been challenged in every game they have played, even in Brisbane last week, (they) came back against us. Our guys responded," Hardwick said.
"I think (assistant coach) Justin Leppitsch said it best. He said: 'There was probably something about these guys, they don't really get fazed by the occasion too much and they just keep going'.
"That's what they did. (Daniel) Rioli probably had a quiet night - last quarter he gets involved. Dan Butler, (Jason) Castagna the same. I thought Bachar Houli's last quarter was exemplary, the way he found the ball and started to take the game on a bit more."
On a night when heavy rain fell, Riewoldt was the difference inside attacking 50.
"He probably hasn't had his kicking boots on as much as he would like but he he did a truckload of work this week, and probably would have had 400, 500 shots at goal," Hardwick said.
"I thought he was terrific tonight. His ability to create contests, there was a two-on-one (in the third term) where he kicked that goal in the third quarter. It was an important goal."
Hardwick also praised skipper Trent Cotchin, who may have had a modest 19 touches by his high standards but his defensive work - and the spotfire he sparked in the third term when both sides scuffled in front of the interchange - proved crucial. The Tigers had been struggling when emotions flared.
"Trent's last quarter was outstanding, emphasised by that tussle which was probably a momentum swing for us as well. I thought (Josh) Caddy stood up when it counted, I thought Dusty's (Dustin Martin) last quarter was terrific," Hardwick said.
"Some of our young players didn't have great games but they had special moments in that last quarter which they will build from."
The Tigers appear headed for a top-four berth, with Hardwick refusing to put a ceiling on where his side could finish. However, he did preach caution.
"It's a long, long season. Sides are still jostling for position at this stage. It's pretty early to be calling it after five rounds," he said.
"We are not putting any ceiling on where we are, there is no doubt about that. The guys are playing some good footy. We can certainly play better than what we did tonight. It's going to be a big challenge next week against the Adelaide Crows. It's going to be a hell of a game."
Hardwick said he turned off the television over the weekend as the Crows put more than 150 on the scoreboard and stormed to a heavy win over the Gold Coast Suns, rating them "by far the best side in the competition at this stage that we have seen".
"The way they play the game and attack the contest is very good," he said.
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