VIDEO: Hardwick's media conference today ...
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/2013-08-16/hardwick-press-conference-16th-augustFinals-bound Richmond has plenty to prove says coach Damien Hardwick by Rebecca Williams
Herald Sun
August 16, 2013 12:57PMRICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick says the Tigers are not content to make up the numbers in the finals, declaring they want to make a "difference" in September.
After securing a place in their first finals series since 2001, Hardwick said today the Tigers had to continue to aim high.
The Tigers sit sixth on the AFL ladder with three rounds remaining and matches against Carlton, Greater Western Sydney and Essendon to finish the home-and-away season.
"The thing is with us we haven’t achieved anything, good footy clubs strive to make finals," Hardwick said.
"The reality is we’ve still got a long way to go.
"We just don’t want to be a part of it (the finals), we actually want to make a difference.
"So that’s our challenge."
Former captain Chris Newman, one player sweating on a finals appearance more than most, will miss tomorrow’s clash against the Blues at the MCG with an injured ankle.
But Hardwick said today Newman, who has played the most games (232) without a final, was expected to return next week against the Giants.
"It’s probably a one-week ankle (injury)," Hardwick said.
"We thought about whether or not to continue to play, but it’s one of those ones that if you do continue it does nag.
"So we’ll certainly put him out for this week and get him back for the week following."
While Newman sits out, Hardwick said the Tigers were looking forward to welcoming back defender Dylan Grimes for his first senior game since Round 6.
"He’s had a rough trot with injury there’s no doubt about that," Hardwick said.
"He’s a very important player for us, a great leader in our football club and one we’re looking forward to getting back.
"He’s a great player, it’s hard to believe that he has only played about 20 games....he’s going to be very welcome back in our back six."
Read more:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/finals-bound-richmond-has-plenty-to-prove-says-coach-damien-hardwick/story-fndv8t7m-1226698407990#ixzz2c6AphKZl
