A real page-turner of a season that is truly stranger than fiction * Patrick Smith
* The Australian
* July 12, 2010 The story-line that more and more people are being drawn to is the rise from the dead by Richmond.
The Tigers, perceived to be so inept that the AFL was urged to step in and hand them draft concessions, have won five out of their last six games. It is a story with more plots than a cemetery.
There's Jack, the full-forward who engages supporters from other teams such is his dominance and promise to amaze.
His commitment in the air is frightening. He draws as many defenders now as he does supporters which gives teammates around him more freedom. While Riewoldt kicked five, nine other players scored the other 10 goals.
Other players are blossoming with Riewoldt. Daniel Connors, the boy who drank too much, is back in the team and in form. Dustin Martin is galloping towards the adjective elite in just his first year.
Brett Deledio is the side's steering wheel at the back and accelerator when sent forward.
Captain Chris Newman has been renewed, leadership appears no longer a burden.
But the story-line goes beyond the field. Coach Damien Hardwick has first taught and then convinced his players that they had much more to offer than the experts, critics and bookmakers had considered. He seems to be exhilarated more by the work and commitment of his players than any suggestion that he might just be the best young coach in the competition.
This run of wins has been secured through an important mix of nurtured ability and undiluted enthusiasm. Sydney had the Tigers' measure in round 14 and lost. Fremantle, itself limp from injury, was a top-four side yet the Dockers could not hold off the Tigers who were down three and a half men.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/a-real-page-turner-of-a-season-that-is-truly-stranger-than-fiction/story-e6frg7mf-1225890480272
