Richmond star Brett Deledio says Tigers can still play finals, but clueless as to what's gone wrongby: Sam Landsberger
From: Herald Sun May 19, 2014 10:37AM 0
BRETT Deledio says Richmond can still storm into this year’s finals but admits he too is clueless as to why the Tigers’ progression has spectacularly nosedived.
On the eve of his 200th match, Deledio also refuted suggestions the 16th-placed Tigers had not given chances to their youth.
“Absolutely we can (play finals),” the star midfielder said today.
“We won’t be giving up on those aspirations, we know it’s going to be hard work but that’s what you play the game for.”
The Tigers, who face the Giants in Sydney on Saturday, appeared flat as they quietly filed into Punt Rd from 7am this morning, carrying suits ahead of legend Tom Hafey’s MCG funeral.
Richmond steadily improved in Hardwick’s first three years before recording 15 wins to soar to 5th last year, but club great Matthew Richardson said that was a flattering finish.
Deledio, like coach Damien Hardwick and captain Trent Cotchin, said the Tigers were searching for answers.
“If I had the answer to that I’d be a coach myself,” he said.
“I don’t know, we’re searching for it and we’re trying to find it. We’re training hard and we’re definitely staying united and getting around each other, I can’t explain it or put my finger on it, if I did I’d be a genius.”
He said the Tigers were playing OK footy but had lacked composure, particularly in final quarters. He also said effort and fitness were not problems.
Richardson yesterday cast doubt on the futures of some Tigers, declaring: “They’ve got to now make a decision which way they go in the second half of this year, whether they play a few new players and go past a couple.”
But Deledio praised the rejuvenation.
“There’s not too many kids who can come in and play, most of them have had a crack,” Deledio said, pointing to Matt McDonough, debutant Ben Lennon and Sam Lloyd all featuring in Saturday’s disastrous loss to Melbourne.
Richmond’s 2-6 start is its worst since 2010, Hardwick’s first at the helm, and Deledio said GWS would not be an easy assignment.
“I haven’t won a milestone game yet, so I’m hoping we can get one up there,” he said.
“They’re a young and upcoming side, like we were a few years ago, so they’ll be putting their best foot forward and taking it right up to us.”
Deledio has raced to the milestone, with an Achilles injury this year sidelining him for the first time since late 2007.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-star-brett-deledio-says-tigers-can-still-play-finals-but-clueless-as-to-whats-gone-wrong/story-fni5f9jb-1226922391757
