Tigers get a kick along in front of goalJon Pierik
The Age
September 10, 2015Emerging Richmond forward Ben Lennon says a dedication to providing clear feedback through the week has helped the Tigers boast one of the more potent forward lines heading into the finals.
The Tigers have been in excellent touch in front of goal in their past three matches, averaging 116.8 points per game, ranked third in the league. This is a significant leap from their overall season average of 87.7, ranked 10th.
As they prepare for Sunday's elimination final against the Kangaroos, the Tigers know they have several options inside the attacking 50, including Jack Riewoldt, Ty Vickery, Brett Deledio and Lennon, the latter joining Kamdyn McIntosh as Rising Star nominees.
Lennon was dropped after only one game, against Geelong in round five, but returned in round 16 against St Kilda when he booted three goals and has been part of the team since. He had managed seven matches last year, but was dropped on the eve of the finals.
"It's made me more determined to try to hold my spot. It's been a little bit of a frustrating couple of years but it's good to finally play a few games and put a few good performances together," Lennon said.
A product of the Northern Knights, Lennon said the forward line as a unit had diligently worked to become more cohesive.
"We have been working together better at training and going through vision together and starting to find out what really works for us as a team. Hopefully, we can continue that this week," he said.
The Kangaroos have averaged 93.7 points per game, but they face a major challenge against the Tigers who have conceded an average of only 71.3 points per game, on par with Fremantle (71.1) and Hawthorn (70.4). The Kangaroos have conceded an average of 88 points per game, the second worst of any finalist.
Coach Damien Hardwick has spoken about how the Tigers have banished memories of their past two finals appearances, each ending in a thumping elimination-final loss, against Carlton and Port Adelaide, respectively.
The Tigers insist they are a more mature and better drilled unit, and Lennon, off contract once the season is done, says thoughts of yesteryear won't hold any sway.
"We don't really look too much into the past. We are just really looking forward to, hopefully, putting in a good performance and, hopefully, winning," he said.
"Everyone has got pressure on themselves. It's good to get out there on Sunday and show what we have got."
McIntosh was the stand-out performer in the Tigers' season-opening win over Carlton and has been part of the team since.
The hard-running wingman, like Lennon, has worked to maintain his focus during the week, amid the expectations of many supporters that the Tigers are a premiership fancy despite finishing outside the top four.
"I am trying not to think too much about it [elimination final] at the moment. Obviously, there has been talk it could be about 90,000 [crowd] this week. It's my first final. I am trying to relax through the week and get everything right body-wise," McIntosh said.
The Kangaroos will significantly revamp their side, with possibly 10 changes to the one which had several players controversially rested last weekend.
Regardless of the changes, McIntosh knows what to expect at the MCG.
"[They are a] competitive team, love to hunt in and around the contest. It will be interesting to see what they bring this week against us. It's definitely going to be an arm-wrestle out there," he said.
Reece Conca (hamstring) will be keen to push his hopes of a recall at training on Thursday, while forward Ben Griffiths (finger) also has finals aspirations should the Tigers advance into a semi-final.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/tigers-get-a-kick-along-in-front-of-goal-20150909-gjikjc.html
