Dimma's presser:
VIDEO:
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/2019-06-13/round-13-hardwick-postmatch---------------------------------------------------------
Coach Damien Hardwick praised the manner in which his team has remained in the premiership hunt despite an extensive and star-studded injury list taking its toll.
"There's been a lot of positives in the first part of the year," Hardwick said.
"We're 7-6, so we're certainly in the hunt. We've hung tough, but we know we've got a bit of work to do to solidify where we are."
With as many as 11 regulars out of Richmond's team on Thursday night due to injury, Hardwick conceded the bye has come at an ideal time for the Tigers.
It also coincides with a disappointing run of three straight defeats.
"It's certainly good for most sides at this time of year," Hardwick said.
"It's a grind and we know how long the season is. It will certainly help us get some recovery into those players as well.
Richmond had 11 players with fewer than 50 games worth of experience on Thursday night, with a number of the club's youngsters earning the praises of Hardwick for their efforts.
Mabior Chol, Patrick Naish and Noah Balta were among those to perform admirably, with the Tigers getting to within four points of the Crows in the final quarter before falling away.
"It's a lot of growth for our guys," Hardwick said.
"They're playing against some quality players. That's the game in a nutshell.
"The Crows obviously had some injuries in-game, but they're pretty much at full strength apart from Tom Lynch and Tom Doedee.
"I was happy with some parts of our game, but there are certainly some areas of our game that we've got to improve going forward."
Source: AFL website
