"We need to play on instinct": Cotchin

[one-eyed]

Cotch was interviewed by the media prior to training today....

Summary:

* We've gone away from playing on instinct. So important for young players as they were all drafted based on talent. Important for us to go back to playing on instinct.

* When asked how do you play on instinct within a gameplan and structures these days, Cotch replied that's a good question - you ave to play on instinct within the gameplan. Taking the game on when you have the chance.

* Disappointed with the way we finished the game last week. Got to keep our heads up and keep working on what we've worked on all year.

* Geelong is a very good side obviously. It's a challenge. What's let us down are the basic things in football - winning the contested footy, tackling, getting numbers to the contest and applying pressure. Focussing on these areas and playing on instinct will mean a more competitive performance. We've worked on a few specific things this week especially for the game and we've got our main training coming up today [Ed. which would be on now] to get a bit of believe back into the group.

* As disappointed as it is to know finals are gone, we've enjoyed the season together and just need now to focus on the things we need to work on.

[one-eyed]

Tiger backs animal instincts
By Adam McNicol
Thu 21 Jul, 2011


RICHMOND midfielder Trent Cotchin says the Tigers will be competitive with Geelong at Etihad Stadium on Sunday if the players trust their instincts.

The game shapes as an intimidating prospect for Cotchin and his teammates as the Cats are set to field a full-strength team, with veteran stars Brad Ottens, Matthew Scarlett and Darren Milburn among the players returning from suspension and injury.

And although Richmond is now out of finals contention after losing its past four matches, including a vey disappointing upset loss to Gold Coast in Cairns last weekend, Cotchin remains upbeat.

 "We've had to put our best foot forward on the track and we're training in the areas that are letting us down at the moment," he said.

"The best thing about having a young group is that we're always enthusiastic about our training and that's the best way to improve on-field.

"I think we've just gone away from playing on instinct and with a young side that's so important.

"We've got to get back to playing on instinct and hopefully that creates an improvement on the way we've been taking on sides."

Given they've lost seven of their past nine games, the Tigers are 10-1 outsiders to beat the Cats.

"It's not so much a scary prospect, but it just adds to the challenge," Cotchin said.

"We're going to grab it with both hands and give it our best shot.

"Our contested possession in the midfield has been really disappointing this year and it's something we're trying to resolve as a group.

"To win the hard ball and the tackling - it's all the basic things we need to get right to be competitive on the weekend."

http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/6301/newsid/119112/default.aspx

[Jackstar is back again]

my advice would be play on at all costs
As did Brisbane did for 3 quarters last week and continually caught Geelong out on the rebound.
If we hold on to the ball, I will going home before half time.!!!

[Damo]

If we hold on to the ball, I will going home before half time.!!!

Thought you weren't going at all? 

[Jackstar is back again]

If we hold on to the ball, I will going home before half time.!!!

Thought you weren't going at all? 

am going, I am addicted

[Mr Magic]

Skipper in waiting. Do it Dimma.

[one-eyed]

Just follow your instincts, Cotchin urges his Tigers
Jon Pierik
July 22, 2011


Dustin Martin at training yesterday. Photo: Sebastian Costanzo

RICHMOND midfielder Trent Cotchin has urged teammates to play with a freedom not seen during a form slump in recent weeks, although that is unlikely to be enough to topple Geelong on Sunday.

The Tigers are mired in a four-game skid, a run expected to continue against the Cats at Etihad Stadium, a team they have not beaten since May 2006.

Preparation for what would be a stunning upset was not helped by a 15-point loss to Gold Coast on Saturday. The Tigers kicked six goals in the opening term but only three more for the match. The Tigers are 12 points outside the top eight and the finals appear a distant prospect.

''I think we've just gone away from playing on instinct and, with a young side, that's so important,'' Cotchin said yesterday.

''We've got to get back to playing on instinct, and hopefully that creates an improvement on the way we've been taking on sides … taking the game on when you can.''

Cotchin was one of several leaders who were vocal among their teammates immediately after the defeat to the Suns, again reinforcing why he almost certainly will be the Tigers' next captain.

''Like all the players, I was just disappointed in the way we finished off the game,'' he said.

Coach Damien Hardwick has said wins over Essendon and Fremantle caught his team off guard, leading to a rise in expectations - with the inference being his developing side was not ready to meet them.

Despite this, Hardwick says the improvement this year has been ''significant'', individually and as a team.

The Tigers have five wins and a draw so far - last year they finished with six wins.

To better last year's record, forward Jack Riewoldt and Dustin Martin must regain their mojo.

However, the lack of a quality ruckman and key defenders continues to hurt. The Tigers have already identified securing a key ruckman as a priority during trade week.

Since kicking five goals against the Lions in round 13, Martin has managed only three since. He has also struggled to find the ball as often as he did earlier in the year, suggesting the second-year player is tiring.

Riewoldt's slump needs to be put in perspective. He sits atop the goalkicking list (47), although he has a relatively modest seven majors in his past four matches. There have been suggestions he is nursing a sore back and ankle, but Cotchin insisted it was only general soreness. While the Cats remain a daunting challenge, Cotchin said all his team could do was focus on several key areas.

''It's not so much a scary prospect, but it just adds to the challenge,'' he said.

''Our contested possession in the midfield has been really disappointing this year, and it's something we're trying to resolve as a group.

''To win the hard ball and the tackling - it's all the basic things we need to get right to be competitive on the weekend.''

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/just-follow-your-instincts-cotchin-urges-his-tigers-20110721-1hqxt.html#ixzz1SlSI5Tmb