Anthony Koutoufides says Richmond Tigers have mental hurdles against Carlton Blues Jon Pierik
The Age
March 25, 2014 Carlton great Anthony Koutoufides says Richmond has been scarred by last year’s two fade-outs against the Blues and faces a critical moment in its evolution when the teams clash in Thursday night’s blockbuster.
As the Blues seek to rebound from a stinging opening-round loss, midfielder Mitch Robinson has called on the team’s ‘‘core middle group’’ to lift and back its leaders and suggested there needed to be more rotations after a modest performance against Port Adelaide.
The Tigers ended a nine-game skid against the Blues in round one last year, but suffered a pair of shattering defeats, in round 21 and again in an elimination final that had an atmosphere even more frenzied than a grand final.
The Tigers led by five goals at quarter-time in round 21, yet were beaten by 10 points, and led by 26 points at half-time of the elimination final before Chris Judd willed the Blues to a stunning win.
Koutoufides said victory was crucial for each of the winless teams, but questioned whether the Tigers could overcome any mental hurdles.
‘‘There is always a bogey team for every team, isn’t there? For Richmond, it is Carlton," he said. "If they are going to grow as a team, this is a game they need to win.
‘‘On the flip side, for Carlton to lose this, it would be diabolical, really, to start off the season.
‘‘This is a critical win for them, too. It’s such an important game, I know it’s only at the start of the season but, in the scheme of things, where the two clubs sit with each other, it’s a huge game.’’
After the elimination-final defeat, Tigers coach Damien Hardwick lamented an inability to consistently win a contested ball in defence and the Blues’ propensity to score from stoppages.
Koutoufides, a 1995 premiership player, said the Tigers’ inability to hold on to major leads would worry them.
‘‘It was twice that occurred [last year] – 100 per cent it will be playing on their minds,’’ he said.
‘‘They have got to overcome it now. This is the challenge in footy, it’s time for them to step up.’’
The Blues will be without midfielders Andrew Carrazzo and Judd – the latter could return in round three – while the suspended Andrew Walker will need to be replaced.
The Tigers also have issues of their own. Just how much ball should be directed to forward Jack Riewoldt is a big question, while Jake King is under consideration to return.
‘‘It’s time that Richmond really make a mark," Koutoufides said. "They are an up-and-coming team and, in order to get something out of the season, these are the teams that you need to beat now."
Blues vice-captain Kade Simpson said the team’s leaders had spent time last week discussing how best to retain possession and stop an opponent’s run-on after the Power had stormed away in the final term.
Speaking on a club podcast, Robinson said on Monday the Blues had looked ‘‘stuffed’’ in the final term against the Power, and suggested the players would rotate more on Thursday.
The Blues made 91 interchanges, including moves made at the end of a quarter, in round one – the third lowest of any side.
Robinson said the likes of team leaders Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs and Kade Simpson needed more support.
‘‘It’s more the leaders that stood up in the [Power] game," he said. "It goes to show they are standing up. ‘Simmo’, in particular, works his arse off in every quarter, every minute of the game. I think it’s more the core middle group that didn’t get behind their leaders, like myself and Belly [Tom Bell], and my disposals."
The Blues spent time on Monday analysing the Tigers’ list and style of play.
‘‘Next week is a true test ... otherwise I will be playing in the ‘mcgoos’ [VFL] the week after I reckon,’’ Robinson said.
‘‘It’s going to be a massive game. It’s kind of who can do the pressure things early and set the momentum early.’’
Koutoufides said he understood why there were physical and even speed comparisons between him and Bell.
‘‘I have heard it a numerous amount of times. The guy looks like he can play footy,’’ Koutoufides said.
‘‘He is strong, tough and hard and looks like he has bulked up over the pre-season. There are similarities.’’
The athletic Koutoufides, considered the competition’s best player in 2000, was listed at 97 kilograms in his pomp, while Bell, who also has a track-and-field background, is listed at 96 kilograms.
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