Dimma looks for connection rather than just names Sarah Black,
AFL Media
Jun 28, 2019Richmond's reinforcements have finally arrived, with six returning players – David Astbury (hamstring), Shane Edwards (hamstring tendonitis), Trent Cotchin (general soreness), Kane Lambert (Achilles), Jayden Short (elbow) and Ivan Soldo (illness) – all named in the squad of 26 to take on St Kilda on Sunday.
But after three straight losses, Tigers coach Damien Hardwick cautioned fans expecting an immediate bounce back to form.
"The fact we've had four players play every game together, the connection of sides – you look at the sides who are at the very, very top, the way they've had a great connection and a lot of their players have played together for a sustained period," he said.
"We probably haven't had that, we've been filling gaps along the way. The guys have hung tough for the vast majority, but it probably came to a tipping point in the last couple of weeks.
"Once again, those guys that are available for selection and coming back, they're not going to solve the problem straight away. We've got to play them playing in unison, get them a good understanding of patterns and movement and continue to play well from that.
"It's all good to have names back, but the reality is on-field we need to make sure we connect heavily."
Hardwick backed half-back flanker Short to hit the ground running, despite having not played at either VFL or AFL level since dislocating his elbow in round three.
"Once again, he's been training for a sustained period of time now and his fitness is good," Hardwick said.
"We had some match practice earlier this week and on Sunday, I think it was, as well, and he was a standout for us. He'll certainly put his hand up to play."
Source: AFL website