Hardwick happyBy Paul Daffey
8:09 PM Sat 10 Mar, 2012RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick doesn't outwardly get too worked up after a game, but he looked as if he were almost ready to lounge on a deck chair after the Tigers' impressive 59-point victory over Geelong at Simonds Stadium.
Hardwick was relaxed and pleased after the Tigers played with the skill and enthusiasm he has been drilling into them since he took over as coach before the 2010 season.
The Tigers were precise with their kicking and kept turnovers to a level that, compared to recent seasons, was excellent.
They were hard at the ball and effective around the stoppages, winning the clearance count against the reigning premier 32 to 21.
"Our guys were pretty good," Hardwick said.
"They were solid over four quarters.
"The last 10 minutes were a little disappointing - we went away from a couple of our systems. But overall the stuff we put in place over summer came out today."
Richmond won in every area of the game except tackles.
The Tigers had 361 disposals to 232 but despite the fact that they had the ball in their hands so often Geelong could win the tackle count by only two, 50 to 48.
Hardwick said the Tigers' good work began with Ivan Maric in the ruck. He praised the former Adelaide player's tap work and marking around the ground.
He also lauded Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin, Nathan Foley and the rest of the midfield.
"Our contested ball was really good," Hardwick said.
"Our clearances were up as well, which is important.
"The signs are good. We've still got a fair way to go. There's a few areas we need to clean up.
"But we're reasonably OK with where we're at at the minute."
Hardwick said 18-year-old half-back Brandon Ellis, Richmond's first choice in the 2011 National Draft, had done no harm to his chances of being picked for the opening-round match of the Toyota Premiership Season, against Carlton.
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