Hardwick's aftermatch media conference / Tigers making progress

[one-eyed]

Tigers making progress
By Paul Daffey
Sun 01 May, 2011


RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick is not one to get worked up about his team's performance, at least not publicly. But you could tell there was something different in his smile after the Tigers' 26-point victory over the Brisbane Lions at the MCG.

A year ago, Richmond was 0-6 and a win seemed eons away. The poor Tigers barely seemed up to AFL standard.

Now, after two straight wins, they're 10th on the ladder and show every sign of improving during the remainder of this season. Against the Lions, Richmond was challenged, and it answered that challenge with impressive resolve.

"We've still got a fair way to go, don't get me wrong," said Hardwick, trying to hose down expectations.

"We didn't remotely challenge some of the top four sides we played earlier, so we've still got a fair way to go."

The Richmond coach did admit to a few areas in which the Tigers have certainly improved. Their ball use is much better. The game style has improved.

And there is greater depth, with the recruitment of Bachar Houli and Shaun Grigg adding to the natural development of young players.

By way of example, Hardwick mentioned the developing stocks of young key defenders, including the two who did well against the Lions, Dylan Grimes and Alex Rance.

"And we've got David Astbury and Jayden Post back at Coburg,” he added.

Perhaps the most heartening aspect of the performance against the Lions was the spread of goalkickers beyond Jack Riewoldt. Riewoldt did kick five, but there were other avenues.

Tyrone Vickery had five shots for two goals, while small forwards Jake King and Robin Nahas kicked three each and several midfielders drifted forward, as is the requirement under the game plan.

"It's great to spread the load," Hardwick said.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/112763/default.aspx

[one-eyed]

Rising Tigers discover self-belief

    Rod Nicholson
    From: Sunday Herald Sun
    May 01, 2011

SELF-belief is the key factor in Richmond's improvement this season and was vital in its fighting 26-point win against Brisbane at the MCG.

Coach Damien Hardwick summed it up: "Last year the players hoped (they could win) but now they believe they can.

"Last year we were happy with an effort, but now we go in and expect to win."

The Tigers have put together back-to-back wins and Hardwick was delighted the forwards were sharing the load, with seven players sharing the 18-goal spoils.

Although Jack Riewoldt continues to be the focus - the Coleman medallist booted five goals in an enthralling battle with Daniel Merrett - the small brigade had a massive impact. Robin Nahas, who has enjoyed an excellent five weeks, chimed in with two, Jake King kicked three and Matt White and Dustin Martin three between them.

"We are starting to spread the load better, especially with the midfielders pushing forward," Hardwick said.

He declared Martin an exceptionally good player whose "ball use is elite", and also had praise for Reece Conca who "makes good decisions".

Hardwick said another reason for improved performances this season was the extra depth at the club.

"However, we still have a fair way to go. The opposition still score too much against us so we need to tighten the defence," he said.

Hardwick has been inspired by the form of Nathan Foley. "Denis Pagan told me if a player misses 12 months of footy it takes six months to play good footy again. Nathan missed 18 months but he has come back really well in a short time."

Foley enjoyed 40 disposals and was an outstanding contributor.

However, Hardwick saved his biggest praise for an opponent Lion Simon Black.

"We didn't have an answer for him. For a bloke of 30 he is just amazing," he said.

The same praise didn't come from Lions coach Michael Voss, although he probably didn't wish to mention individuals in what was yet another match that got away.

The Lions are 0-5 and face the Gold Coast next week but have run Fremantle, Melbourne, St Kilda and now Richmond to the limit.

Voss clearly had harsh words for the players after the match.

"I am not pleased with anybody's efforts. This is where the big boys play. Intent and effort must be there and I think they (the players) get that message after our discussion," he said.

"Honourable losses have always been out of the window (because otherwise) you are accepting mediocrity. They were brave, but that's not good enough."

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/rising-tigers-discover-self-belief/story-e6frf9jf-1226047672848

[one-eyed]

Coach says Richmond's self-belief is up
Greg Buckle
Ninemsn
13:01 AEST Sun May 1 2011


Richmond finished 15th last year and the players would hope for a win rather than expect it, according to coach Damien Hardwick.

But with successive victories over North Melbourne and Brisbane to improve their 2011 win-loss record to 2-4, the Tigers no longer go into a game just hoping.

On-ballers Dustin Martin and Nathan Foley combined for 75 possessions in Richmond's 26-point win over the win-less Lions at the MCG on Saturday night and Hardwick can see growth throughout his AFL side in defence, midfield and attack.

The Tigers finished strongly after trailing just before three-quarter time to win 18.16 (124) to Brisbane's 14.14 (98) as Jack Riewoldt kicked five goals to take his season's tally to 21 atop the Coleman Medal table.

The Tigers face a massive test against Fremantle (4-1) at the MCG next Saturday.

"Like most footy clubs, last year you're probably happy with an effort," Hardwick said.

"Now we're not happy if we don't win.

"We expect to win every game we play. The growth in the players is now they come to every game expecting to win also.

"Last year they hoped, now they're starting to believe they can win which is a really important step in their development.

"We still understand we've got a hell of a long way to go. Sides like Collingwood and Hawthorn really touched us up.

"We've just got to keep improving in those areas, further galvanise the belief of the playing group and work our way into the season."

Hardwick said three-goal contributions from livewire small forwards Jake King and Robin Nahas were great signs as the Tigers aim to spread the goalkicking load.

"We do have an unhealthy reliance on Jack (Riewoldt) at times," Hardwick said.

Hardwick said Martin, who had a break-out game with 33 possessions against North last week then backed up with 35 touches including 10 inside-50s on Saturday night, was in the "elite" category for ball use.

"From where he's at as a second-year player,he's going to be a long-term player at this footy club," Hardwick said of the 19-year-old.

The second-year coach was also excited about Foley's 40-possession game after injuries restricted the 25-year-old to only four matches last year.

"Defensively you see guys like (Dylan) Grimes and (Alex) Rance are starting to forge a career," Hardwick added.

"Robbie Nahas has had a very good five weeks. (Ex-Bomber) Bachar Houli stepped in as has (former Blue) Shaun Grigg."

Hardwick said he expected midfielder Shane Tuck to push for selection despite being benched in the second quarter with a knock to the ribs.

http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8243200