Tigers, Blues to make a statementJon Pierik
The Age/ Ballarat Courier
27 Mar, 2012 FOR Carlton and Richmond, their now traditional season-opener on Thursday night is a chance to make a statement of intent for the season, culminating in what each hopes will be an extended campaign come September.
This statement is collective and individual as there will be players from each side keen to show they belong at the elite level - whether for the first time or after being recycled - and deserve greater opportunities.
Tough defender Steven Morris and former Adelaide ruckman Ivan Maric appear to be two for the Tigers. For the Blues, recalled defenders Paul Bower and Jordan Russell will be given this opportunity as three frontline defenders - Michael Jamison, Jeremy Laidler and Nick Duigan - are still not fit.
Russell, off contract this year, was squeezed out of the line-up last season through injury, poor form and a drop in confidence.
Bower played just three senior games and struggled for momentum because of foot, quad and calf injuries and the emergence of Chris Yarran and Duigan across half-back.
He sought a trade in October but a deal could not be done. He would remain a Blue - only because Setanta O'hAilpin was cut - and be handed a modest contract.
''[Thursday night] is going to give some players the opportunity to rekindle their career with Russell down back and Bower as well, from last year to this year,'' Blues coach Brett Ratten said yesterday.
''We have spoken about that even at the start of pre-season. That was one year, now it's another season, so they can really change perception or I suppose the landscape around them in regards to how they are perceived and how they perform in 2012.''
Bower told The Sunday Age in January he had tinkered with his running technique under the tutelage of new fitness and conditioning coach Joel Hocking in a bid to avoid more injury.
''He's taken really big steps forward in regards to his versatility in the team,'' Ratten said. ''We trialled him through some different spots in the NAB Cup and been really pleased with his development in certain areas of the ground.''
Maric is seen as key for the Tigers as they were desperate for a frontline ruckman last season.
Tigers captain Chris Newman yesterday said Morris, who is the son of 1973-'74 premiership player, Kevin, had impressed through his work ethic. The small defender, 23, was secured last year after being a Greater Western Sydney pre-listed player.
It's hoped his inclusion will allow Brett Deledio to spend more time on the ball.
''He has done everything right. He is the sort of guy that always is nagging you to work on his 'extras' and definitely deserves an opportunity,'' Newman said.
''He has had some good form over the summer. He will be one of those guys you feel confident running out with because you know what you are going to get.''
Newman said Morris was indicative of where the improvement needed to come from in the team this season if the Tigers were to challenge for the top eight.
''We just need a lot of those mature-age players in the 23 to 26-year-old bracket to step up as well as the younger players,'' he said.
The Tigers will also want to make a statement after dropping their past seven matches against the Blues, including a loss by 103 points when the clubs last met, in round 15 last year.
Newman insisted that result would count for nought, as did Ratten.
Newman said he believed it was time for the Tigers to begin the season positively.
''We haven't won a first round for a few years now,'' he said. ''I would say the pressure is on us to perform.''
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