Sugar sees lots to like (Herald-Sun)

[one-eyed]

Johnson sees lots to like
03 February 2008   Sunday Herald Sun

 RICHMOND captain Kane Johnson is steering clear of promises. Too many have been made and not many fulfilled in recent times.

A lamentable season has driven an internal shift.

Johnson is pleased there has been a notable lack of noise emanating from Punt Road this pre-season.

"This year we think it's time to just batten down the hatches and let our actions do the talking," Johnson said in his first interview since last season.

"We just want to play footy and get that part right, and hopefully that will speak for us in the media.

"We might have finished on the bottom, but what does it change for this year? It doesn't mean anything.

"That was 2007 and you've got to concentrate on this year. Everyone starts on an even playing field. You've just got to get a few things right and a bit of luck your way and anything can happen."

As disappointing as it was to win only three games last season, Johnson does not see it as a write-off.

It gave the group plenty to dissect -- and one of the products has been a restructured leadership group.

Johnson is captain for a fourth year, but Chris Newman and Nathan Foley have been elevated as vice-captains.

Kayne Pettifer joins Foley in the leadership group for the first time. Mark Coughlan has stepped down to concentrate on getting over two knee reconstructions.

Ruckman Troy Simmonds, 2007 vice-captain Nathan Brown and defender Joel Bowden retain their places.

The club is investing in a youth-led resurgence.

"It's more what (Foley) does off the field, the way he prepares and his professionalism -- he really does inspire the rest of the group to follow his lead because he really is extreme in that area," Johnson said.

"You'd think the next leader of the club would come out of a Chris Newman or a Nathan Foley or one of those younger types. So they've got the chance to prove themselves this year.

"They've been great additions so far and it gives the whole group a new look and a different feel."

Several recruits have added a fresh dynamic, with Johnson praising the input of former Bulldog Jordan McMahon and former Eagle Mitch Morton.

Johnson said having senior players injury free would be the key.

"Browny, Simmo and Cogs are all training well at the moment and psychologically that is a big advance for the group," he said.

"You look at players like (Brett) Deledio and (Richard) Tambling and Shane Edwards to improve.

"The main thing is if we can have an injury-free run and have a good crack at it I'm sure we'll be better."

Johnson said coach Terry Wallace would have a full complement of players available for the first NAB Cup game against St Kilda.

He also said best and fairest Matthew Richardson was in ominous shape.

"He's quite amazing the big man, he just keeps getting better," Johnson said.

"He's 33 years old (next month) and I do a lot of my running with him and I can't keep up, so he's going really well and he could play for another two or three years.

"I'm sure he'll like having Browny alongside him."

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,23150308%255E20322,00.html

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"He also said best and fairest Matthew Richardson was in ominous shape. "


that will keep many happy, lets hope its true and he can be as damaging on the score bored and not choke infront of the sticks

let see the richo of old playing as a floating half fwd flanker, not a kpp

[Nugget_12]

He is 100% spot on in this article.
As it stands we have nothing to be chirping about and while some supporters (Including myself sometimes) would prefer to see a new article on the tigers atleast once a week during the off-season, we really need to let our on-field performances do the talking.

And it all starts with Saints in the NAB cup, even though its a nothing comp we really need to win a few games early to start the season off with a win.
If we lose most of our pre-season matches we will most likely lose round 1 because we dont have any momentum going into the game.

Winning a few pre-season games will do wonders with the younger players at the club and really install belief in the playing group and get the younger guys fighting at Coburg to get into the side in the first half of the year if we can carry the form into the premiership season.

[mightytiges]

Let's hope Sugar doesn't mozz Richo as the big fella is fit and injury-free and showing no signs during preseason training that he will slow down this year (touchwood).

Good article from the captain. No outlandish predictions.

"You'd think the next leader of the club would come out of a Chris Newman or a Nathan Foley or one of those younger types. So they've got the chance to prove themselves this year.

Code for Sugar stepping down and a change for 2009?