Michael Malthouse wary of new-style TigersMark Stevens | August 15, 2009
COLLINGWOOD has played 40 matches since it last confronted Richmond in a home-and-away match, in Round 3 last year.
But Magpies coach Mick Malthouse is adamant the extraordinary break between games is not the only reason why his players will be stepping into the unknown today.
Delving into the Treat Every Opponent With Respect manual, Malthouse yesterday talked up the Tigers and the fresh methods of caretaker coach Jade Rawlings.
"It's a long time between drinks. We need to get used to his (Rawlings') style," Malthouse said.
"We cannot dismiss the game against Richmond right in front of us. We're playing a side that has won 2 1/2 games out of the last four. It's not as if they are mugs."
Malthouse described Rawlings as a "coach that no doubt enjoys being a senior coach".
And the wily old Magpie has noticed a shift in philosophy at Punt Rd since the departure of Terry Wallace.
Malthouse said Rawlings' game style was not in total contrast to Wallace's, but conceded it was "bordering" on it.
"We've done our homework. We have strategies in place to enhance our prospects of winning," Malthouse said.
And then there is the Joel Bowden factor. The retiring Tiger would not be about to lie down in his last game, Malthouse said.
Malthouse said he would like to think the Bowden emotion would die off after the opening minutes, but he is preparing for a long struggle.
"He's a player who's played 260-odd games. He's not going to fade away," Malthouse said.
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