The Tiger Train could finally be on trackAustralian Community Media - Fairfax Media
27 July 2017There’s very few times that the words “Richmond” and “the real deal” have been used in the same sentence.
Now is one of those rare moments in recent history, because the term “Tiger Tough” is more than some PR spin from the marketing department at Punt Road.
In a season where pretty much anyone can win it, the Tigers are right up near the top of the tree when considering the “flag fancies”.
But there is one hell of a monkey on the back of these Tigers. A monkey called history.
Split Enz were well known for telling people that “history never repeats”, but for Richmond it has, and you’d hate to be anywhere near the joint or their supporters if it happened again.
Under Damien Hardwick, they’ve become the experts of falling short at the business end of the season.
Three finals series in succession from 2013-15, three exits at the elimination final stage.
Three years where so much promise did not deliver.
You have to back to 2001 to the last time they won a final, with 1980 in the last time they lifted the premiership cup.
If they were to drop out in week one, or lose two finals after making their way to the top four it would just be so emotionally draining for everyone involved.
The expectation on this group to at least show something in September will grow by the week, which will be one of the intriguing side-notes in the run to the finals.
But this group of Tigers is one that could buck the recent trend.
Save for another tall target up front to help out Jack Riewoldt, you’d say all bases are covered.
Their small forward group [Dan Butler, Daniel Rioli, Jason Castagna etc] have ensured their front-half is a pressure-filled environment.
Riewoldt, Alex Rance and Trent Cotchin, are not only three of the finest players in the land, but have impressed as the club’s leadership trio, while Dustin Martin has entered the game’s elite.
Recruits Toby Nankervis, Dion Prestia and Josh Caddy have all worked out, while the likes of Brandon Ellis and Nick Vlastuin look revitalised.
They have been consistent, as other than the Adelaide and St Kilda outings they have been in every game.
And wins like the one against the Giants, where they looked down and out early before showing real guts and determination.
The Tigers’ success this year has been a tick for perseverance with Hardwick, and getting the right people around him rather than giving him the flick.
He now has all the tools for some September joy.
But maybe steer clear of Richmond supporters if they do. They will be unbearable, justifiably so, after years of frustration.
http://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/4812433/the-tiger-train-could-finally-be-on-track/
