Inside the Tigers - part two
9:09:49 AM Wed 22 June, 2005
Matt Burgan at Laguna Whitsunday
Exclusive to afl.com.au
As part of Richmond's split-round trip to Laguna in the Whitsundays, the club staged a mid-season review of its on-field and off-field football operations. This was held on Tuesday evening, the second night of Richmond's four-day stay at Laguna Whitsundays.
On the previous night, Richmond had its weekly match review, with senior coach Terry Wallace allowing representatives of the football media and members of selected coterie groups, a first-hand look at the procedures it undertakes after each round.
Again, Wallace was hospitable in giving the media and coterie groups the access to the club's mid-season review - an in-depth and thorough look of the opening 13 rounds of 2005.
Before the meeting commenced, Jack Dyer Medallist Mark Coughlan was given a loud cheer after he reeled in the biggest fish caught earlier in the day. The chef on hand at Laguna appeared with a decent-sized golden trevally to the players and the select few in the room. His catch of the day narrowly defeated Kayne Pettifer's impressive effort.
Wallace then settled the group, before starting.
He started by thanking his assistants - Brian Royal, David King, David Wheadon and Gordon Casey - for their efforts in getting the review up and running. Wallace revealed that they were up until midnight the previous day, working on the project.
One of Wallace's aims was to take the emotion out of the review, while he said, honestly - 'Will it bore you? Probably, yes', was the answer.
Harking back to the pre-season, Wallace revisited Richmond's ethos. He revealed five key points the club was striving to achieve.
During this discussion, Wallace refers back to his days at the Western Bulldogs and highlights the dedication of six-time best-and-fairest winner Scott West. Wallace told the story that West was committed to being the best he could.
Wallace said it was evident when West was just 17 years old, when the then young pup would park his car at the Whitten Oval, before taking off for a jog to Skinner Reserve, a nearby oval where the Dogs were training for a period of time.
He would then jog back to the Whitten Oval and use his runs, before and after training, as a time-trial. Wallace said West was 'manic' about his times, although the Bulldogs' senior players thought he was 'mad'.
Wallace's message was clear. West set his own standards and many at Tigerland needed to follow. In discussing the point, Wallace was 'absolutely rapt' with one particular Tiger's work ethic, despite the fact that the player in question remains sidelined through injury.
In summarising Richmond's ethos, Wallace said: 'Have we lived up to it?' He believes the club is heading in a positive direction. 'I think we are getting there', he said.
Team objectives were raised and addressed, with several senior players offering their thoughts on the matter. Gaining respect and putting the team before the individual were the key issues.
Football manager Paul Armstrong then addressed the group on off-field matters.
Attendance, clothing and apparel, women in football, respect for people and facilities, supporters, media, social behaviour, fines, internal/club politics, signing of merchandise and players appearances were covered.
Most received ticks of approval from Armstrong, but some areas got crosses next them. Armstrong, with Wallace strongly reinforcing the importance of these issues, was adamant the playing group needed to adhere to these off-field duties.
Strength and conditioning coach Matt Hornsby spoke briefly, stressing the importance of players sticking to their recovery sessions, particularly their massages, before and after matches.
Wallace then moved onto key indicators and the formula for Richmond's success, although he was adamant that this was not for public consumption. The keys were offensive, defensive, in dispute and general kicks' indicators. His belief - and the evidence he produced - on general kicks was compelling, as were the statistics for handballs.
As Wallace highlighted the intricacies of these statistics, he says directly to his players - 'Does this make sense to you all?'
Wallace's statistical revelation on his side's kicking becomes clearer and clearer and as he concludes the point, he says: 'Imagine if we had two other wins and we had nine, you (the players) might've been able to have a beer tonight'.
This draws a laugh - and possibly for some - a regretful sneer.
Wallace then hands the meeting over to his assistants.
Royal reviews the midfield and discusses winning the ball, using the ball, how hard the players work when the opposition has the ball and Richmond's top six midfielders against the opposition's top six midfielders.
Wallace who chimes in at one point, stressing that finding further midfielders within the club is important.
First-year assistant King, who heads up the forwards, then speaks. He talks about how the team uses the ball and what forwards must do if they are not kicking goals. Tackling and defensive pressure are emphasised strongly.
King poses the question: 'If you're not kicking goals, not tackling and putting defensive pressure on, then I'm not sure what your role is (up forward)'.
Casey, heading up the backline, then addresses the group on rebound 50s and defenders playing on small forwards. Wallace breaks in, with his say, on what Richmond needs to do about a small defender. His thoughts are revealing and straight to the point.
Wheadon then speaks about the operations of the interchange bench. He says older heads are adapting to coming on the ground far greater than younger and inexperienced players.
Speaking with a genuine human element, Wheadon says experienced players watch where they think they will play, when they run onto the ground, while youngsters tend to be nervous about simply getting a kick.
He says the inexperienced players need to overcome their nerves, although he empathises with them, suggesting that experience will help enormously in that factor.
But Wheadon is impressed by the professionalism shown by the players when they come off the ground. 'No dummy spitting' has occurred, which he believes is vital to the cause.
Zoning is also an interesting subject discussed, with a senior player offering some strong thoughts on this area.
Royal returns for further breakdowns in statistics and stresses the importance of team structures, particularly for ruckmen and midfielders. Efficiency is spoken about.
It's back to King, who gives further background on zones. He believes some players have 'scant regard' for them. Wallace backs up King and throws up the question: 'Do forwards believe it's their divine right to just kick goals?' He is leaves you in no doubt of his response - 'I believe, yes.'
King strongly states that 'zones are an attitude', while he adds that poor zoning costs matches. He questions whether the players have a 'genuine desire to make it work'.
And Wallace suggests that he could do a spot of gardening out on the ground, in regards to his side's recent zoning.
'If we had a watering can out there, they'd (the players) grow' is his reference in relation to members of his team not moving into position and instead, standing still.
Positively, Wallace says that when he emphasises something strongly to his players that he invariably receives it. Humourously, he adds: 'Next week, I'll ask for 20 goals'.
The meeting, which at this stage has lasted for over two hours and with two separate breaks, is winding up for the media and coterie groups.
Wheadon finishes on goalkicking. He says players' attitude is 'spot on', but adds that not enough players are practicing their weaknesses. He illustrates some fascinating indicators on goalkicking.
Once he finishes, it is time for a third break and the end of a compelling review for the media and coterie groups. But Wallace and his assistants bring the playing group back in for one final session, with just the inner sanctum involved.
But for the others, they leave engrossed and all the better for the experience.
http://richmondfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=210746
