RICHMOND midfielder Daniel Jackson says the Tigers have made large inroads towards eradicating the poor kicking that has blighted them in recent years.
The Tigers have worked hard during the pre-season on disposing under pressure.
"We've got stats to show we're good by foot now," Jackson told AFL.com.au.
"A few years ago everyone thought we were terrible by foot. There's been some personnel changes but a lot of it has come with the strategies and processes in place.
"It's a lot easier to make good decisions when you know what your teammates are doing and when you're predictable.
"In the past we just didn't have that; everyone was rushed and under undue pressure. We just don't have that as much now."
The Tigers showed during last week's 38-point loss to Fremantle at Patersons Stadium in the second round of the NAB Cup that they still have work to do on their disposal, but Jackson said the players would continue to work hard to improve.
"There are always going to be mistakes, especially when you've got a young side, but I think we've shown that there's a lot fewer than they're used to be."
Richmond plays its third-round NAB Cup match against Geelong at Simonds Stadium on Saturday.
The squad has been strengthened through the return of Jackson, who was rested against Fremantle, Trent Cotchin, Nathan Foley, Daniel Jackson, Shaun Grigg and Dylan Grimes.
Brett Deledio will sit out the match but the Tigers expect him to be ready to play against Carlton in round one of the Toyota Premiership Season.
Rookie defender Piva Wright is a late replacement for fellow defender Luke McGuane, who will have a hit-out with Coburg Tigers in the curtain-raiser.
Geelong plans to again field a young team despite the return of up to five premiership players. Matthew Scarlett, Joel Corey, Steve Johnson, Corey Enright and Paul Chapman are all expected to turn out.
The Cats are fifth on the NAB Cup ladder with two wins while Richmond is 12th with one win. Geelong will need other results to go its way to make the top two and reach the final.
"Whatever Geelong bring to the table we'll just address that as we go," Jackson said.
"There's only two weeks before the big stuff starts. It's about getting things right.
"We just need to continue working on the things we've set up over summer."
He was unaware that goalkicking is expected to be difficult at the southern end because a wind tunnel has developed where the Doug Wade Stand has been ripped down as part of the ground's renovations.
"Whenever you go down to Geelong, conditions play a part," he said. "A bit of extra wind will just add another element to what is already a tough place to play."
Jackson last year had a limited pre-season after struggling to overcome hamstring tendinitis. He recovered in time for round one but his performance was hindered by lack of fitness.
This year, the 25-year-old said, he's raring to go after an injury-free pre-season.
"This is the best I've felt for a couple of years. Dropped some kilos — that's helped me get around a bit better.
"I'm looking forward to a good year. "
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/130368/default.aspx------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If this has already been posted just delete this thread. Anyways back on topic. Hopefully our kicking has improved but I will wait and see before judging.
