i have not received it either and its not hidden in junk.
Any chance we can get a copy of that email here?
I'll post this first one given a fair few members didn't receive it due to a glitch with the Club's emailing list and as an example of the many exclusive benefits you get as a Richmond footy club member for anyone reading this who is considering joining or rejoining up
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DIRECT FROM DIMMA
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Dear OE,
I have had mixed feelings in the wash-up of last Thursday night's season-opener against Carlton at the MCG . . .
There's been no hiding my disappointment that we lost a game I felt we'd put ourselves in a position to win.
Sure, the Blues had plenty of chances to put us away early, with the number of inside-50 entries and scoring shots they had. But the fact is they didn't, and we were still hanging in there at half-time.
Then, in the third quarter, we produced some really good football, to well and truly seize the initiative from Carlton.
When Jack Riewoldt kicked that goal right on three-quarter time, to increase our lead to 14 points, I felt we had the necessary momentum to go on and win the match. In the last quarter, however, we ran out of legs, and the more experienced Carlton side rallied to get over the line.
I was especially disappointed that we fought our backsides off to hit the front, only to fade in the final term, and I understand how frustrated you must have been watching the match finish the way it did.
But I certainly couldn't question the competitive spirit of the players on the night, and I'm sure that's something that would have pleased our members.
Look, there were some promising signs that we took out of the game, but we've still got a fair way to go. I rate Carlton as a top-six to top-four side, so at least we showed we're capable of matching it with the big boys of the competition, when we get our game up and running.
I thought the young blokes who made their AFL debuts with us Reece Conca, Jake Batchelor and Brad Helbig all showed something. And, our recruits from league clubs Shaun Grigg and Bachar Houli were also quite impressive in their first games for the Tigers.
Shaun was relatively consistent throughout the night, while Bachar got a lot better after quarter-time. They both showed that they're going to be real assets for us. They're only going to get better as they play more with their new teammates, and they're going to help ease the load through our midfield.
I really liked the game of Robbie Nahas. He showed his capabilities as a player with that performance, and has now set himself a standard that he needs to live up to.
Robbie was very disappointed with his 2010 season and worked extremely hard over the pre-season to make amends in 2011. It's early days yet, of course, but he looked really lively in the midfield. Yes, he made some mistakes, but that's because he was prepared to take the game on, which is something we encourage him to do.
Another big plus for us, from an individual perspective, was the fine first-up display of Jack Riewoldt . . .
Jack looks in good shape. He took a couple of really strong marks, kicked six goals, and could even have finished with another couple.
Unfortunately, we didn't get the ball enough inside-50, but when it got down there, Jack certainly looked dangerous.
Mind you, we still have the same problem of needing to find more avenues to goal . . . Mitch Morton was okay at stages up forward, as was Ty Vickery. We've also got some players coming back from injury, who we feel can fill the role for us in attack, but we've just got to remain patient for the time being . . .
Clearly, St Kilda at the MCG this Friday night represents another huge test for us, but one I can guarantee you that we're all looking forward to.
Nathan Foley has recovered from his bout of gastro, so that will provide our midfield with a decent boost and, a few of our players, who were a bit underdone, will benefit from the opening round hit-out.
Even though it's a St Kilda home fixture, Richmond members will gain access with their membership tickets, as this is one of the two replacement home games for the season (due to the Club playing home games in Darwin and Cairns in 2011).
That being the case, we would love to see any St Kilda home-ground advantage negated by a strong Yellow and Black turn-out.
Yours sincerely,
Damien Hardwick
