We lacked hunger, says Hardwickrichmondfc.com.au
By Mic Cullen
7:15 PM Sun 18 July, 2010A DISAPPOINTED Damien Hardwick says Richmond "didn't come to play" in its 50-point loss to North Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday.
The Tigers were riding high with wins from five of their past six games heading into the clash, but the Kangaroos - who are well in the hunt for a top-eight spot - took them apart, winning every term.
Hardwick made it clear he was most unhappy with the Tigers' performance.
"I thought North Melbourne were hungrier, hardier, a lot better on the day," he said.
"They played very, very well, and handled the conditions a hell of a lot better than our boys did.
"I just thought they were a lot harder than us ... in and around the scrimmages. I thought they did that well."
Hardwick conceded Richmond missed the presence of Daniel Jackson, who is serving a two-game suspension for rough conduct.
Jackson was also sidelined for rounds nine to 11 for headbutting, and the coach said the midfielder would have to change his approach when he returned in round 18.
"We were down 0-8 at half time from the centre-square [clearances], and I think we're the number one centre-bounce clearance team in the comp, differential-wise," Hardwick said.
"Our centre-bounce crew took far too long to adjust, and as harsh as it is, the loss of Dan Jackson was big for us.
"He's an important player to our club, but he's also very important leadership-wise in the middle, so that was a huge loss."
Richmond meets ladder-leading Collingwood next weekend, which Hardwick said would be a great challenge for his side.
"It's the biggest challenge in footy at the moment, playing the Pies, so it's something we can look forward to," he said.
"We're disappointed with this game, but it's a really good challenge for our guys to get back up and challenge themselves.
"They were disappointing today, they'll go home and monitor their performance, and hopefully come out all guns blazing next week because it is a great challenge."
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