Tigers read riot act to defenders Luke McGuane and Alex Rance Bruce Matthews
Herald Sun
April 21, 2011 2:02PM SUSPENDED Richmond defenders Luke McGuane and Alex Rance are aware they are on notice with teammates when they return for Sunday's clash with North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.
Tigers skipper Chris Newman said today the group had made clear their dismay at the pair missing games through undisciplined acts.
"We told them both we were all disappointed in their actions. Obviously, they're the bigger bodies and ones you rely on to stop those goals deep inside 50,'' Newman said.
"Yeah, it was disappointing and they know that they have let the team down and all they have to do now is learn from it."
Rance was suspended for three weeks for a hit that concussed Carlton's Jarrad Waite in Round 1, and teammate Luke McGuane was rubbed out for two weeks for a late bump on Saint Farren Ray the following week.
Without the pair, the Tigers struggled to contain key forwards at Hawthorn in Collingwood in successive 10-goal-plus losses. Both McGuane and Rance are available for selection this week.
Newman said the Tigers could see positive signs in their winless start to the season.
"I guess every week you lose, you become more urgent to win a game. We've been in some winning positions and haven't finished off. But we feel like we've played some quality opposition and our game plan has held up for the most part.''
Newman said the Tigers had a strategy meeting this morning and had identified the Kangaroos' danger men, led by captain Brent Harvey, who must be stopped in Sunday's twilight game.
"There are a variety of younger guys who have really stepped up for North. We've gone through the opposition and had a bit of a chat this morning about it,'' Newman said.
"There are a few key guys we need to shut down if we're to be any chance to win the game. I think they've got a really good spread of players who are willing to take on the game and very dangerous in any position.
"The biggest thing is the contested footy, both sides really pride themselves on contested ball and that's where it will be won or lost.''
Harvey, sitting beside Newman at AFL House, didn't hestitate putting Tiger goalkicking ace Jack Riewoldt at the top of the list when similarly queried on opposition dangers.
"The bloke (Riewoldt) who won the Coleman medal last year goes all right," he said.
"Their midfield is really strong, (Trent) Cotchin is a fantastic player already, (Brett) Deledio, Dustin Martin has stepped up another notch this year, Nathan Foley I really rate as a player. And obviously the captain (Newman) off half-back gives them a fair bit of drive.
"But Chris hit the nail on the head, the contested ball is going to be huge. Our guys (Ben) Cunnington, (Jack) Ziebell, these type of guys pride themselves on that.''
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