Tigers ‘using Hawks tactics' Eliza Sewell
From: Herald Sun
March 27, 2012 CARLTON coach Brett Ratten says Hawthorn can take some of the credit for Richmond's improved defence.
The Tigers nabbed former Hawks assistant Ross Smith at the end of last season and Ratten said his influence at Punt Rd was obvious.
"They've (Richmond) used a few new tactics, with players off the back of the square, (they've) really taken a leaf out of the Geelong and Hawthorn (book)," Ratten said.
"Ross Smith's there now, so whether they've used some of those tactics that they did at Hawthorn, with seven defenders, they've sort of gone down that path so our players are fully aware of what they're doing.
"But who gets the advantage when and how quickly in the game will be pretty critical for both teams."
The need to be more "Hawks-like" was evident last season as Richmond conceded 52 inside-50s a game compared with Hawthorn's 42.
Carlton has defeated Richmond in their past seven meetings but, after a promising pre-season at Punt Road, where the Tigers took down the Hawks and the Cats, Ratten expects a fight.
"When the ball gets bounced, every team gets to feel each other out; it's like an arm wrestle," Ratten said.
"It'll be feel each other out and go from there, but hopefully we can get the game on our terms."
Ratten dismissed talk captain Chris Judd would require extra treatment and physio on his shoulder in the lead-up to Thursday.
"It's the first I've heard of it," Ratten said.
With defenders Michael Jamison (back), Jeremy Laidler (knee) and Nick Duigan (thigh) all out of the Blues' season-opener, Ratten said it was a chance for Paul Bower and Jordan Russell to rekindle their careers.
"We've 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 change the landscape around them in regards to how they're perceived and how they perform in 2012," he said.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/more-news/tigers-using-hawks-tactics/story-e6frf9jf-1226310754362
