AFL 360AT the top of the agenda, none other than the most talked about sports team in Australia, Richmond.
“This week can be summed up in one sentiment ... how bout them Tigers?” host Gerard Healy said.
Tiger coach Damien Hardwick and captain Trent Cotchin joined Gerard and Herald Sun chief football writer Mark Robinson at the desk.
Robbo asked Hardwick about the confidence around Punt Rd.
“The positive vibe from four weeks out as been infectious,” Robbo said.
“It’s business as usual but it’s certainly a good place to be,” Hardwick said.
“Our confidence to win games us really high. I know people will say it comes from out 9 games but I think there were signs before that.”
Cotchin said the win over minor premiers Sydney would give the team plenty of confidence.
“I reckon from the start of the year, people were excited to see us go poorly,” he said.
“Then they started to feel bad for us and have really gotten behind us.
“For me personally, it probably hit me three or four minutes after the game, the disappointment after the finals last year.
“I think when we had those two or three defensive exits - when a couple went out on the full - the pressure was building but to have Alex Rance perform like he did ... I think we would have lost that game earlier in the season.
“To beat such a great side was a very proud moment.”
Rance has deservedly received plenty of plaudits for his performance.
“Alex had a couple of really good contests when Adam Goodes look dangerous,” Hardwick said.
“Alex, to his credit, really took it upon himself. Those things as a coach really stand out.
“I thought Alex’s last five minutes were really outstanding.
Hardwick said if the Tigers were to keep their winning streak alive and beat Port Adelaide contested ball would be key.
“We were really disappointing earlier in the season. I think we were 14th in the AFL and finished the season 3rd,” he said.
“The bloke sitting across from me (Cotchin) has really driven that, Miles, Maric, Martin, they’ve all been vital.
“There’s no doubt our game and our wins has been built on that.
“I personally think we’re a better side (now). The ability for me as a coach to sit back and see the leaders take over is really pleasing. It makes me feel better as a coach.
The Tigers only really have one major selection headache with veteran midfielder Daniel Jackson available.
“It won’t be a difficult decision if it helps us win,” he said.
“Dan’s an important player but he’s had his season wreaked by injury. The good thing is he’s a seven or eight-year guy so he’s got a good body of work and is really fit.”
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ON THE COUCHRichmond was again a hot topic of conversation.
Hawthorn great Jason Dunstall pointed out Dustin Martin role late in games as a key to the Tigers’ late-season run.
“I think (Tom) Jonas is an option. Maybe (Jack) Hombsch.
“I don’t think Port Adelaide would be scared of what Richmond have to offer.
“Martin has been really important one out up forward and then you’ve (Trent) Cotchin and (Brett) Deledio having a spell up forward as well.”
Anthony Miles has also been a big part of the Tigers game plan with the tough midfielder sitting equal fourth in clearances since Round 12.
Sheahan said he believed Richmond could go over to Adelaide and come away with a win.
“I was optimistic about the Tigers,” he said.
“They’ve won five straight on the road and they went up (to Sydney) with all the momentum and motivation.
“They go to Adelaide Oval with no fear on the weekend.
Dunstall said Alex Rance’s performance against Sydney was “now part of Richmond’s folklore”.
http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/catch-up-on-all-the-big-news-from-monday-night-as-the-countdown-to-afl-finals-begins/story-fnelctok-1227044428446
