Richmond resurgence starts now: Hardwick (Herald-Sun)

[one-eyed]

Richmond resurgence starts now: Hardwick

    * AAP
    * From: Herald Sun
    * March 19, 2010 4:40PM

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick has labelled the 2010 season the "start of the resurgence" of the success-starved Tigers.

Hardwick said this season would be one of "transformation", starting in next Thursday's Round 1 clash against Carlton, when at least three Tigers are likely to play their first AFL games.

Speaking at the Tigers' season launch today, the first-year coach said that process began with the off-season introduction of 14 new players to the squad, an overhaul of the coaching staff and a bulking up of the recruiting and strength and conditioning departments.

The theme is set to continue in the opening round, with the Tigers, who now have the competition's youngest list, set to reflect that in the 22 that runs out against the Blues.

"Over the pre-season we've seen a number of first-year players show signs that ... they'll be very good football players for us," Hardwick said.

"It's a great credit to our recruiting and development staff and assistant coaches.

"We'll have at least three debutants come Round 1 versus Carlton."

The Tigers' top draft pick Dustin Martin is expected to be one of those, with numerous other newcomers, including indigenous forwards Troy Taylor and Relton Roberts, having made an early impression.

Hardwick said along with the revamping of the club's playing list and staff and his introduction of a new game plan, the overhaul of facilities at their Punt Rd home was significant.

"Finally we'll be the envy of other clubs with state-of-the-art facilities," he said.

"More importantly, it eliminates excuses from coaches, players and staff, we're no longer on an uneven playing field, so we no longer have an excuse."

Hardwick stressed that he did not know how long it would take for the players to develop and fully adapt to his game plan to the level required to deliver success.

But he said that was no excuse for not winning matches this season, although the club would have "one eye fixed on the 2010 season and the other on 2011 and beyond".

Hardwick urged players to enjoy the challenge and said the club's supporters and sponsors should do likewise.

"Enjoy the start of the resurgence of the Richmond Football Club. Remember the journey is the thing to savour, not the destination, and that journey starts now."



Richmond coach Damien Hardwick with the Tigers' 2010 leaders (from left) Daniel Jackson, Nathan Foley, Troy Simmonds, captain Chris Newman, Brett Deledio and Trent Cotchin. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-resurgence-starts-now-hardwick/story-e6frf9jf-1225842945656

[the claw]

cmon damien  just 3 thats bulldust. 5 or 6 would have done me. oh thats right we cant.

dea. martin.  nason. roberts , gourdis and if fit  one of griffiths or astbury should have been the target. just 3 sheesh . so we have martin  at 18 nason at 20 and an unfit roberts at 23. thats a huge influx of kids. thank god martin was big bodied and ready to go.

[dizza]

it's all very well talking these "re-building stages" up, but for once can we actually see some gradual improvement??

[Infamy]

cmon damien  just 3 thats bulldust. 5 or 6 would have done me. oh thats right we cant.

dea. martin.  nason. roberts , gourdis and if fit  one of griffiths or astbury should have been the target. just 3 sheesh . so we have martin  at 18 nason at 20 and an unfit roberts at 23. thats a huge influx of kids. thank god martin was big bodied and ready to go.

It's AT LEAST 3 in Round 1, he's not talking about the whole season. I think 4 players will make their debut on Thursday, Martin, Nason, Farmer & Roberts.
Dea isn't ready and Gourdis can't play as he's a rookie. Griffiths and Astbury still recovering from injury, but I'm sure they'll be all aiming to play this year.

[bojangles17]

cmon damien  just 3 thats bulldust. 5 or 6 would have done me. oh thats right we cant.

dea. martin.  nason. roberts , gourdis and if fit  one of griffiths or astbury should have been the target. just 3 sheesh . so we have martin  at 18 nason at 20 and an unfit roberts at 23. thats a huge influx of kids. thank god martin was big bodied and ready to go.

It's AT LEAST 3 in Round 1, he's not talking about the whole season. I think 4 players will make their debut on Thursday, Martin, Nason, Farmer & Roberts.
Dea isn't ready and Gourdis can't play as he's a rookie. Griffiths and Astbury still recovering from injury, but I'm sure they'll be all aiming to play this year.

correct , think I have enough patatience to wait a few rounds before we continue to see more cubs turn out, No hurry

[Mr Magic]

cmon damien  just 3

Admit it, you're loving it claw.
At least we didn't pick up JoN.

[Damo]

Claw, stuff OFF and barrack for another club you negative idiot

[one-eyed]

New-look Tigers set for 'transformation'
Friday, March 19, 2010 » 05:59pm


Richmond coach Damien Hardwick plans to hand AFL debuts to at least three Tigers in the MCG season-opener against Carlton.

Speaking at the club's season launch on Friday, Hardwick labelled 2010 the 'start of the resurgence' of the Tigers and a year dedicated to 'transformation'.

The first-year coach said that process began with the off-season introduction of 14 new players to the squad, an overhaul of the coaching staff and a bulking up of the recruiting and strength and conditioning departments.

The theme is set to continue in the opening round, with the Tigers, who now have the competition's youngest list, set to reflect that in the 22 that runs out against the Blues.

'Over the pre-season we've seen a number of first-year players show signs that ... they'll be very good football players for us,' Hardwick said.

'It's a great credit to our recruiting and development staff and assistant coaches.

'We'll have at least three debutants come round one versus Carlton.'

The Tigers' top national draft pick Dustin Martin is expected to be one of those, with numerous other newcomers, including indigenous forwards Troy Taylor and Relton Roberts, having made an early impression.

Hardwick said along with the revamping of the club's playing list and staff and his introduction of a new gameplan, the overhaul of facilities at their Punt Rd home was significant.

'Finally we'll be the envy of other clubs with state-of-the-art facilities,' he said.

'More importantly it eliminates excuses from coaches, players and staff, we're no longer on an uneven playing field, so we no longer have an excuse.'

Hardwick stressed that he did not know how long it would take for the players to develop and fully adapt to his gameplan to the level required to deliver success.

But he said that was no excuse for not winning matches this season, although the club would have 'one eye fixed on the 2010 season and the other on 2011 and beyond'.

Hardwick urged players to enjoy the challenge and said the club's supporters and sponsors should do likewise.

'Enjoy the start of the resurgence of the Richmond Football Club. Remember the journey is the thing to savour, not the destination, and that journey starts now.'

http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Sport/2010/03/19/New-look_Tigers_set_for_transformation_442014.html

[one-eyed]

Tigers plan a new era
MARTIN BOULTON
March 20, 2010

THIS season is a year of ''transformation'' for Richmond, but new coach Damien Hardwick said the competition's youngest playing list must aim high.

At the club's season launch yesterday, Hardwick reinforced the message delivered by retired forward Matthew Richardson, who told players to embrace the club's history of 10 premierships and forge a new era of success.

''We'll have one eye fixed firmly on the 2010 season and the other on 2011 and beyond,'' Hardwick said. ''To our players, respect the jumper and those who have played before you. This season will provide highs and lows and we'll ride those together - it is important we remain united.''

Hardwick - an Essendon premiership player and assistant coach in Hawthorn's '08 premiership season - said the introduction of 14 new players was the start of a fresh chapter at Punt Road.

He said new coaches, the addition of three full-time recruiting staff and a significantly revamped strength and conditioning department gave the club new direction after years of being anchored near the bottom of the ladder.

Three recruits will line up in round one with last year's first-round draft pick Dustin Martin likely to be among those making their debut against Carlton at the MCG.

''Over the pre-season we've seen a number of first-year players show signs … it's a great credit to our recruiting, development staff and assistant coaches,'' Hardwick said.

Ben Cousins joined yesterday's jumper presentation after twice being admitted to hospital in the past 10 days for abdominal pains.

Captain Chris Newman said Cousins trained solidly on Wednesday and could be available for round one.

Richmond had one pre-season win as Hardwick rolled out his new game plan.

''The transformation of the game plan both offensively and defensively will take time, but it's a game plan we believe is sustainable under the rigours of AFL finals football,'' he said. ''Make no mistake, the word transformation is not an excuse for not winning - we expect to win every time we take the field.''

Richardson, who retired after 282 games, spoke passionately about representing the club, being proud of its history, past greats and the jumper.

''When you run out there you're not just representing yourself or the club, you're representing all those supporters and members that turn up every single week,'' he said. ''That's something I always remembered when I pulled on the jumper.''

He said the club's young list and strong leadership group were crucial to building success and the new coaching staff had ''great character'' and a history of success as players.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/tigers-plan-a-new-era-20100319-qmce.html