In all seriousness I really do blame our fitness and conditioning people for this on going problem
other clubs can draft a lean player and then over 2-3 years can bulk them up, get muscle on them
Why can't we?
I've recently just finished reading Mick Malthouse's book that he co-wrote with David Buttifant. Was absolutely shocked to read that Buttifant was interviewed by the Tigers to be our head of fitness back when Frawley was coach and that he knocked us back.
All because of the way Tony Jewell interviewed him (Jewell was Footy Director back then). After reading his CV Jewell asked him when did he play at Richmond?
Answer = when Jewell as coach the 2nd time - TJ dind't remember him at the point Buttifant thought this club isn't for me
Oh what could have been
correct WP.
I remember asking Miller one day the same thing and he couldnt answer my question, just saying the guys are young they will grow give them time.
Well Thursfield, amongst others are still a toothpick now as they were when they started. Its only since Dimma has come on board that we have started to see some change, physically and mentally. Vickery, King etc etc Tackling has improved but still an area we need to get better.
Dale Thomas proves you dont have to be a beefcake to tackle an opponent. Players like Edwards get pushed aside almost at every contest by bigger bodied players.
Its about time the club woke up to themselves. The amount of times i see his and other lightweights get thrown around
was starting to get frustrating.
Look at Jack Darling. In 1 season at the Eagles he his already bigger in size than most of our defenders, bar Rance
I guess at the end of the day what do you expect if a club only hires a p/t weights coach as we did for so many years.