Richmond 'beginning to believe'richmondfc.com.au
By Nick Berrett
Sun 20 June, 2010BELIEF and confidence are the buzzwords at Richmond after their 19-point win over the Brisbane Lions, coach Damien Hardwick said.
Hardwick was full of praise for his young side, which never trailed the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba and closed out the match when it looked like the home team might make a comeback.
“To their credit, they stood up when it counted," Hardwick said.
“They were out on their feet in the last quarter but we got a couple of lucky breaks so we just had to persevere."
“Belief is such an important factor and I think they were very good in that area.
“Confidence in an AFL player is paramount. If you have got that, you can achieve anything."
Hardwick had predicted the Tigers would have a better second half of the season than first and, with two wins in a row for the Tigers, that prediction could be accurate.
“We are starting to see some of the things we are trying to do, game-plan wise," Hardwick said.
“They are only going to get better the longer they play."
The Tigers took on the Lions at their weakest, with several Lions players out with injuries, including Jonathan Brown and late omission Simon Black.
However, Hardwick did not believe the injuries took anything from the Tigers’ win.
“At the end of the day you can only play the opposition that is out there," Hardwick said.
“We will take every break we can get at this stage."
The Tigers had their own injury worries, with Luke McGuane taken off with an ankle injury late in the second quarter.
Hardwick said the injury would be assessed in the coming week.
“I thought Luke McGuane did an outstanding job in the first half," he said.
Hardwick was quick to acknowledge his support staff, including assistant coach Justin Leppitsch, who was a premiership player for the Brisbane Lions.
“He has been terrific, Leppitsch, in the development of a young backline," he said.
“The coaches are terrific, they really take a care and nurture to the players."
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