VIDEO: Hardwick and Morris in the aftermatch press conference ...
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http://bigpondvideo.com/RichmondTV/471561/Hardwick,%20Morris%20Press%20Conference/Free kicks 'cost us the game'By Paul Daffey
7:00 PM Sun 22 Jul, 2012RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick has laid most of the blame for the Tigers' four-point loss to North Melbourne on three free kicks that gave up three goals.
The Roos have most likely ended the Tigers' finals hopes after punishing Shane Tuck, Kelvin Moore and Brett Deledio for their infringements in defence.
"We had three free-kick goals. What did we lose by? Four points," Hardwick said.
"It cost us the game, no doubt."
Tuck was penalised during the first quarter after grabbing the ball out of the ruck and being tackled late. North Melbourne forward Lachie Hansen kicked the goal.
Deledio complained to an umpire after missing out on a free kick during the second quarter.
When the umpire gave a free kick against him, Deledio complained again, resulting in a 50m penalty.
North Melbourne forward Drew Petrie kicked the goal from the goalsquare.
"The umpire makes a decision and you've got to accept that decision," Hardwick said.
During the third quarter, Moore was caught holding the ball after being too casual on the goal-line.
Petrie snapped from the set shot for a goal that regained the lead for the Roos.
The other area that, according to Hardwick, cost the Tigers was their inability to step up and win close games.
The Tigers have now lost eight games by 21 points or less, including five by 12 points or less.
"Our next step is to nail those games," Hardwick said.
"We just lack the polish at some stages to finish off our hard work.
"You go back into the history books and you look at the sides that have had [those close results], it means you're going to step up pretty quickly.
"We want to do that now, we keep letting chances slip."
Hardwick was pleased with full-back Alex Rance's job on Petrie for most of the game, but said Petrie was just "too big" for the 21-year-old defender.
"Rance did a terrific job for the first three quarters," Hardwick said.
Richmond is now 7-9 and must win at least five of its remaining six games to be a chance of a finals berth
The Tigers play Carlton, the Brisbane Lions, the Western Bulldogs, Fremantle, Essendon and Port Adelaide in the run home.
Hardwick said the Tigers believe they can still make the finals.
"Once the door shuts it shuts, but as far as we're concerned it's well and truly still open," he said.
"We'll bounce back next week [against Carlton]. I've got no doubt."
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