Matt White a Power barometer, says HardwickNathan Schmook
July 10, 2014 11:46 AM
RICHMOND will mark former Tiger Matt White closely in Sunday's clash against Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium, with the Power speedster seen as a "barometer" for his new team.
White, who played 105 games in eight seasons with the Tigers, joined Port Adelaide as an unrestricted free agent at the end of last season in search of more opportunities and a longer-term deal.
Hardwick, who labelled Sunday's match an important chance to take a scalp, said he would keep a close watch on White, who has enjoyed career-best form with the Power, averaging 16 possessions and kicking 18 goals in 14 games this year.
"He's had a terrific season and it's a real credit to him ... he was an important part of us obviously but he went to Port Adelaide through free agency, which is what it's there for," Hardwick said on Thursday.
"He's a really good barometer for them. He's exciting to watch, he carries the ball really well and he's always been a really good kick of the ball.
"He's a player we know well, we'll monitor him and hopefully we negate those qualities he brings."
Hardwick spoke to his players on Thursday morning about Richmond’s failure to beat a side above it on the ladder this year, with wins coming against Carlton back in round two, the Brisbane Lions (twice), Greater Western Sydney and St Kilda.
Finals are out of the equation, but Hardwick said there was plenty for the Tigers to play for.
"We're looking forward to taking a scalp, we haven't taken one this year," he said.
"We've fallen short a couple of times so it's a real challenge for us to get over the line against a side that's possibly going to challenge for top four.
"We've got them (the Power) in Melbourne on a fast deck, so it's going to be a quick game. We've just got to make sure we curtail the influence of their speedsters and try and get the game on our terms.
"They're 2-2 over the last four weeks and we're the same. I think Ken (Hinkley) gave his boys a bit of a message on the weekend that he wasn't happy with their inside game."
Hardwick challenged tall forward Ty Vickery to back up his four-goal effort from round 16, praising the 24-year-old's work rate since returning from a stint in the VFL.
"Offensively we know he can play, defensively we challenged him and he's become better ... he can still lift another level," the coach said.
"Work rate is a key for Ty, he knows that and he'll continue to drive it."
Fellow tall Liam McBean is "thereabouts" for selection this week after booting five goals in the VFL.
Hardwick said the club would try to fast track Jake King's recovery from a calf strain last week to give him an opportunity to play at AFL level again this season.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-07-10/white-to-get-black-mark
