Assistant coach Brendon Lade back on Thursday night interviewed by Mark Fine ....
AUDIO:
http://www.sen.com.au/audioplayer/Audio/Brendan-Lade-Richmond-Assistant-Coach/8724Summary* In the past we may have fallen over when challenged (Freo game) but the boys now stand up. Keeps us in good stead for the future.
* Vlastuin one of the finds of the season. So calm around the ball and with the ball; good user of the footy. We're very pleased with him. Playing backline at the moment. Future 200 game player.
* We have a great bunch of leaders. Cotch works with the younger guys and has Ellis over once a week (for Tea plus play FIFA).
* Good that we can keep the playing group together for the next 5-6 years as we believe we can do something special.
* Ruck structure: No. 1 ruck (Maric), supportive/2nd (Vickery), older/experienced back-up ruck (Stephenson) and young developing ruckman (McBean). The Club got chastised for our rookie picks at start of the year but they have all contributed this year. Whether TV eventually takes over Ivan's role and McBean then takes over from Ty would be good for that system to flow on. With Stephenson it allows to put someone into the ruck who can do the job; not because we're desperate. We go out to win clearances.
* Chaplin - provides us with a good reliable backman. Chased him for a couple of years but had to wait until free agency came along. He's been good for Rance (and Grimes when he comes back). We now have 3rd best defence which makes a change from Dimma's first year where we had the worst.
* Starting to build some depth. Lade mentioned good performances from Lonergan, Tuck, Astbury, Nahas at Coburg. Then add McGuane and Aaron Edwards filling roles and kicking goals at Coburg. Reckons McGuane will get another opportunity when it arises.
* Beat Sydney and Hawthorn last year but didn't make the finals. A bit like North this year who have been competitive against the top sides.
* We believe we know how to beat both sides. Go in not over-confident but expecting to play well and get the result. Will have contingencies ready as they will prepare for how we beat them last time.
* Jackson - has improved out of sight. Can do a shutdown defensive role and the offensive side of his game has really improved. Would be top 3-4 in B&F along with Chaplin, Cotch and Lids.
