Tigers must perform in '09, says Richo
Roger Vaughan | March 11, 2009 - 6:04PM
Richmond's much-loved veteran Matthew Richardson is enjoying the excitement, but also feeling the pressure ahead of the AFL season.
While injuries to Trent Cotchin, Kane Johnson and Mark Coughlan have hurt their midfield, the Tigers are otherwise coming to the end of a solid pre-season.
The combination of an encouraging end to last season and the recruitment of Ben Cousins has meant they have smashed their membership record.
They have reached 31,000, beating the 30,800 they set in June last year - the fourth straight year Richmond have set a membership record.
But Richardson, another big reason for the optimism at Punt Rd, points out the team must follow up on the field.
Richmond were ninth last year and coach Terry Wallace knows his future hinges on the Tigers making the finals.
"Every year you're full of optimism, obviously, but this year it does feel different, there's been a lot of statement around the club for a few different reasons," Richardson said.
"But the proof is going to be in the pudding, you've got to get out there and win games.
"The players have to step up now, the fans have stepped up and signed up, it's our turn."
The Tigers will open the season on Thursday, March 26 with a blockbuster against arch-enemies Carlton at the MCG.
It looms as a much-anticipated duel between Cousins and his former West Coast teammate, Carlton captain Chris Judd.
The Tigers have noticeably boosted their team for Friday night's NAB Challenge against Brisbane on the Gold Coast as they build up to the Carlton game.
Richardson, Cousins, Brett Deledio, Nathan Brown, Nathan Foley and Troy Simmonds all return, meaning the Tigers will be near-full strength.
"You need to do that leading into round one, so it will be a good test up there against Brisbane on the Gold Coast," Richardson said.
"It's going to be pretty humid and stormy, we'll find out where we're at."
Richardson also had no sympathy for the Blues, who are unhappy about having to travel to Bunbury, south of Perth, to play Fremantle on Saturday.
"You've got to get used to it - it's probably not ideal leading into round one, but somebody has to go over there to play the (Dockers).
"We're pretty happy it's Carlton, probably."
Richardson turns 34 on Thursday next week and the retirements last season of players such as Robert Harvey and Shane Crawford mean he is now the oldest player in the AFL.
He is also among the most popular.
Richardson rejuvenated himself last year by often playing off the wing, as well as his traditional role as a key forward.
He finished third in the Brownlow Medal and earned his third All-Australian selection.
There are no guarantees beyond this season, but Richardson is enjoying the ride.
"I wasn't sure how it was going to work early on, I thought the next position might have been out of the team, but it worked out well, I'm obviously happy about that," he said of last year's changed role.
"It's given me a new lease on life, I guess, so it was a good move for everyone."
http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-sport/tigers-must-perform-in-09-says-richo-20090311-8v46.html
