Hardwick's post-match media conference / Tigers lack of discipline worries Dimma

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From the Herald-Sun:

 After unfurling their premiership flag the Tigers conceded the first five majors of the match. But they trailed by just nine points at the first change as Brownlow Medallist Dustin Martin and spearhead Jack Riewoldt warmed into the match.

“We sort of got on top of that towards the later end of the first quarter which was pleasing,” Hardwick said.

“We got a bit of work to do. We didn't play our best tonight. Credit is where credit due, Carlton competed really hard.”

Hardwick was pleased the Tigers generated some clean ball movement in the final quarter as they slammed on six goals to open their premiership defence with a win.

The premiership coach said they would not reflect on last year’s Grand Final when preparing for Adelaide in next week’s rematch at Adelaide Oval.

Hardwick said the Tigers had retained about 80 per cent of their gamestyle from 2017.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/richmond-v-carlton-follow-all-the-action-from-tonights-afl-season-opener/news-story/3123e70f691ab37fe6d2d60ce1d4ae29

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Tigers' lack of discipline worries Hardwick

Nathan Schmook
afl.com.au
Mar 23, 2018

RICHMOND will need to tighten its discipline ahead of next week's Grand Final rematch, with coach Damien Hardwick concerned after his team gave away seven goals from free kicks in Thursday night's season opener.

"I thought we gave away too many cheap free kicks. We gave away seven goals from free kicks tonight.

"So we've got to get our discipline better, we were disappointed with that part of our game, there's no doubt."

Hardwick said the Tigers would also need to improve at boundary throw-ins, while their defensive structure could also do with some tweaking ahead of the blockbuster against the Crows.

But there was plenty to smile about for the coach, whose midfielders – particularly superstar Dustin Martin and captain Trent Cotchin – stepped up in the fourth quarter when the game was on the line.

"The pleasing thing for us, we played well enough to win but we've certainly got to get better for the Adelaide Crows next week," Hardwick said.

Richmond dominated the forward entries 71-47 but kicked an inaccurate 17.19, suggesting there is significant short-term improvement in the premiers if they kick straight.

The Blues, meanwhile, kicked an accurate 15.5, with Charlie Curnow and Matthew Wright each kicking 5.0.

"They got some goals from the goalsquare through our free kicks against and they had 20 shots on goal," Hardwick said. 

"If we keep most sides to 20 shots on goal we're pretty happy with that … our accuracy was probably a bit of a concern."

Hardwick remained content to play Shaun Grigg as a second ruckman, with the Tigers continuing to win centre clearances (18-14) when the midfielder was taking the bounce.

The coach was also happy with the team's small forward structure, with Josh Caddy (three goals) and Jacob Townsend (four) able to hit the scoreboard while also competing in the air.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-03-22/tigers-lack-of-discipline-worries-hardwick