I reckon the Club heard us
'Sugar' to skipper Tigers
4:09:23 PM Fri 16 July, 2004
Matt Burgan
Sportal
Richmond has anointed dynamic midfielder 'Sugar' Kane Johnson as its skipper for Saturday's clash against St Kilda at Telstra Dome with regular captain Wayne Campbell sidelined for at least four matches with a shoulder injury.
Tigers' coach Danny Frawley said Campbell told Johnson the news on Friday morning.
"He's been a beauty since he's been over here. He's been a Richmond man all of his life, bar six years when he went over to Adelaide, so he's really excited about it," Frawley said at Punt Rd on Friday.
"Wayne told him this morning. It's no added responsibility. He's just got to go out there and perform by his actions. He's been one player who's been able to perform very consistently."
Frawley said the clash against the Saints was an important occasion, as the inaugural Ian Stewart Medal will be presented to the best and most courageous player from that match. It will honour the triple Brownlow Medallist, who is an icon at both clubs.
"It's a good day for both clubs tomorrow, recognising the great Ian Stewart. His record speaks for itself at both clubs and in football in general," Frawley said about Stewart, who was also having lunch with the Richmond players on Friday.
Frawley also spoke about the Telstra Dome surface for the round 16 clash and said it raised no issues from his perspective.
"We haven't played there for a while. The surface, as far as I'm concerned, is very good. I saw a few players slip over last week, but you've got to remember we're getting into the cold months," Frawley said.
"I think we should get a tape out of the '84-'85 games at Moorabbin, if you want to see what surfaces are like. I'd love to play on it (Telstra Dome)."
Meanwhile, Frawley said he was not prepared to comment on the playing future of ruckman/forward Brad Ottens.
"I probably won't get drawn into too much of it, but I've always said Brad's best football is going to be from the start of this year until whenever, and he was always going to take 12 months after his back operation," Frawley said.
http://richmondfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=160738