Hardwick's post-match media conference

[one-eyed]

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said premiership players Josh Caddy (ankle), Shaun Grigg (knee) and Jason Castagna (ankle) were unlikely to face Hawthorn in Launceston on Saturday.

Boom recruit Tom Lynch is back in full training after recovering from a serious knee injury and Hardwick said the big forward would play when he declared himself ready and could play in round one without any formal match practice. The coach flagged the prospect of Lynch playing a VFL practice match.

Hardwick remains uncertain about the ruck combination the Tigers will take in to their season-opener against Carlton, given the promising efforts of developing big men Noah Balta (two goals) and Ivan Soldo against the Demons, while premier ruckman Toby Nankervis (three) goals was predominantly stationed forward.

"I don't know," Hardwick said with a laugh when asked post-match what his plans were for the club's ruck department.

"I'd love to have some answers for you, but the great thing about it (is that) all those guys are showing something for us, which is real exciting. Trying to squeeze them into a side and see how that works is going to be a real challenge for us, but I'd rather that (problem) than the other one, where they didn't play that well.

"It's a real positive for us. We can build on what they've brought this week into next week.

"We saw some really positive signs today from some of our younger players. Noah Balta was terrific in and around the ruck and provided a real contest for us and a couple of highlights as well."

https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-03-03/demons-set-to-include-stars-in-final-jlt-match

[RedanTiger]

Judging on the umpiring today, we are going to get killed again this season.

It's about time that Hardwick stopped being so understanding of the umpires. It's getting us nowhere.
It would be nice to think the higher ups (President, Balme) started getting vocal about the balance in the free kick count.
25-13 today.
What did it finish up last year?
EDIT: Just checked on the umpiring thread. Before round 22 it was -98. Next worst was St Kilda at -49.
After rounds 22 and 23 we finished -120.

At the very least Balme, Hardwick, Cotchin and Dusty can all come out with a comment EVERY time they are interviewed.
Doesn't have to be a criticism.

Can just be something along the lines of:
"Well we've got to remedy our free kick count. We're obviously doing a lot wrong. In a premiership year we were negative 60+. And last year was even worse. This year looks like being worse again so we're got to do something as we're twice as bad as every other team. We can't continue to give the opposition so many more free possessions." 

Simply copping this crap is not a solution. 

[one-eyed]

'The 50m penalty rule looks silly'

Damien Hardwick expressed his confusion over the new infringement ruling in 50m penalties (Butler/Oliver one)

WATCH HERE" https://www.afl.com.au/video/2019-03-03/the-50m-penalty-rule-looks-silly


Dimma also said those who missed due to injury are unlikely to play next week. They erred on the side of caution with McIntosh.

[one-eyed]

Tigers happy for Tom Lynch to tell them when he is ready to play

Peter Ryan
The Age
4 March 2019

Richmond will trust high-profile recruit Tom Lynch to declare himself ready to play with the 26-year-old back in full training after having an operation on his PCL last year.

Tigers' coach Damien Hardwick said Lynch was experienced enough and smart enough to make his own decision, and they would not rush him to return under any circumstances.

"Tom is one of those guys who has played seven or eight years of AFL footy and he will come to me and tell when he is ready," Hardwick said.

"Our doctors are really happy where he is at and how he is going."

Lynch has not played since round 14 last season and arrived at Richmond via free agency, with the Tigers aware he would need to recover from his knee injury.

In doubt for round one he told reporters last week he wanted to play but conceded he wasn't sure whether he would be ready for the season opener against Carlton.

"Once he feels confident to put his hand up to play I will be slapping his magnet up on the board," Hardwick said.

"He has a great understanding of his body and he knows what he needs to do to get right ... we're really confident that he is going to be a really good player for us and when he is ready he will let us know."

Excited about the prospect of having Lynch playing alongside Riewoldt, Hardwick said he was bouyed by the performance of 19-year-old Noah Balta who took the JLT game against Melbourne over in the second quarter, grabbing seven disposals and kicking two goals.

The Tigers also have ruck options Toby Nankervis and Ivan Soldo who can pinch-hit up forward.

Hardwick said he remained unsure how the use of the talls would pan out in 2019.

"All those guys are showing something for us which is really exciting," Hardwick said.

"Trying to squeeze them in and see how that works is going to be a real challenge for us but I would rather that than the other one where they didn't play that well.

"It's a real positive for us we can build on what they have brought this week into next week."

Kamdyn McIntosh may play next week against Hawthorn in Launceston although Josh Caddy, Jason Castagna and Shaun Grigg will miss again.

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/tigers-happy-for-tom-lynch-to-tell-them-when-he-is-ready-to-play-20190303-p511i7.html