I couldn't find this on the web so I scanned it in .....Jade turns Tigers into tough nuts By Jay Clark
Sunday Herald-Sun 02 AUG 2009, Page S19
JADE Rawlings has engineered a startling turnaround in the defensive deficiencies that have haunted Richmond for five years.
Six weeks into his post as caretaker coach, Rawlings's tactical imprint on the club has become clear.
He wants his troops to play a more direct, more accountable game style. And they are.
Champion Data statistical analysis gives Rawlings's first phase in charge a big tick, in all parts of the ground.
Almost gone is the one-way running that made the Tigers the least resistant team in the AFL, under former coach Terry Wallace.
It's not quite at St Kilda's levels, but Richmond's tackle count, pressure intensity and accountability has increased markedly over the past month and a half.
In that time, the Tigers have won two matches, drawn one and restricted the opposition to three fewer goals a game on average, from 111 points against to 93.
Backline coach David King hailed the Tigers' defensive improvements under Rawlings as ``enormous'' leading into today's clash against Melbourne at the MCG.
"The biggest change I'd say is that the group has grasped defensively more involvements,'' King said.
"No matter what position they play on the ground, they have had a part to play in us winning the ball back.
"I certainly think from a defensive point of view, or a back six point of view, it has made an enormous difference for us to be able to compete.
"They (players) have embraced that now and hopefully they don't take a step back from that.''
Richmond was the worst tackling team in the AFL under Wallace for the past two years, but not any more.
Since Round 12, when Rawlings took charge of the youngest Richmond team fielded in 15 years, its tackle count has increased by five a game on average.
It is a snapshot of the increased defensive work-rate, particularly around the stoppages, where the Tigers no longer run up the white flag if the opposition wins the ball.
Throughout the first 11 rounds, teams scored a whopping 36 per cent of the times they won a stoppage against Richmond, the highest ratio in the competition.
Under Rawlings, that number has been cut to 31 per cent, lifting the team above Melbourne and Port Adelaide.
When they have the footy, Rawlings's Tigers have abandoned attempts to mess around across half-back.
Contested possessions have increased, and uncontested possessions have plummeted, from the most in the competition, to 13th.
In attack, the Tigers' efficiency of scoring goals inside 50m has improved from 12th under Wallace to seventh under Rawlings.
The numbers represent a major change in tactical direction, and the improved results are expected to weigh heavily in Rawlings's favour in his bid to win the top job on a permanent basis.
Although the three-stage club coaching selection process has only just begun, Rawlings has become outright favourite in the betting race.
Four-time premiership coach David Parkin said it was clear the players had responded to Rawlings's message.
"I think he has put his hand up pretty well for the job,'' Parkin said.
"Jade has shown that the blokes want to work for him.''
From the day Rawlings was a surprise selection as caretaker, he has shown enormous passion and enthusiasm for the job.
"He's loving it,'' Rawlings's manager, Liam Pickering, said.
"He is a footy nut, he loves his footy and he knows his footy.''
TIGER TURNAROUNDRichmond under Jade Rawlings compared to Terry Wallace:MATCH AVERAGES WALLACE R1-11 RAWLINGS R12-17Points against 110.9 (16th) 93.5 (10th)
Tackles 56 (13th) 61 (12th)
Percentage scored against 35.9 (16th) 30.8 (14th)
when clearance lost
Photo Caption: Harder edge: Jordan McMahon’s tackle 
on North Melbourne’s Todd Goldstein in Round 16 typifies the Tigers’ more defensive approach under Jade Rawlings.
