Benny Griffiths presser today ...
VIDEO:
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/2015-06-16/griffiths-press-conference-june-16th-------------------------------------------------------
Tall Tiger timber set to fire against Eagles: GriffithsJennifer Phelan
afl.com.au
June 16, 2015 BEN GRIFFITHS has sent an ominous warning to Richmond's Friday night opponent West Coast, saying the Tigers' three-pronged attack can play better than it did against Fremantle two weeks ago.
Griffiths, Jack Riewoldt and Ty Vickery kicked seven goals between them in Richmond's inspiring win over the Dockers before their bye last weekend.
With the Eagles facing the prospect of losing Jeremy McGovern (corked thigh) along the sidelined Mitch Brown and Eric McKenzie this week, Griffiths said the Tigers' attacking unit could be ready for a big night at the MCG.
"There's always room for improvement," Griffiths said on Tuesday.
"I think the three of us each bring something different to the table.
"The more time we can spend playing together, I think we can really identify those strengths and play to them."
The Tigers have no such concerns with their backline, with Griffiths backing his teammates to stand up against the Eagles' potent forward structure that includes Coleman medal leader Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling, Mark LeCras and Josh Hill.
All Australian backman Alex Rance trained away from the main group at times on Tuesday but didn't appear hampered in his movement.
Griffiths said the Tigers wouldn't be concerned about how the Eagles structured up in defence if McGovern failed to come up.
"I'm sure they'll bring in someone just as capable, so we'll watch that during the week," he said. "But we'll just focus on what we need to do."
The Dockers' game was the second the three attacking talls played in together this season, after Griffiths overcame concussion to line up in round eight alongside them against Port Adelaide.
After losing continuity through a round five calf injury and the head knock sustained the week after, Griffiths said he felt he wasn't far away from breaking a game open.
But he said he was mainly enjoying playing alongside Riewoldt and Vickery after it was trialed seven times last season, mainly when Ivan Maric was sidelined with an ankle injury.
"The three of us have always wanted it. We feel like we're a bit more damaging like that and we provide a lot," he said.
"It's awesome to be playing the three of us and for it to be working.
"The challenge for us now is to keep that going."
Griffiths said the form of Riewoldt, who has been playing further up the ground but has still managed 27 goals this year, had been really important to the team's recent fortune.
"He's still getting the shots on goal we need him to get but we can't ask for much more than what he's doing - he's playing awesome football," he said.
"He's really vocal out there, really directing, and he's really helped my development as a forward."
Having won four games in a row, capped off by their away win over the previously unbeaten Dockers, the Tigers are travelling well with a light injury list. Chris Newman will be considered after playing a VFL game before the bye and then training on Tuesday, and Kane Lambert (shoulder) faces a fitness test but Reece Conca (hamstring) remains at least a month away.
"I think we'll go into the second half with a lot more confidence knowing that we're executing better and playing some good football," Griffiths said.
"There's a good feeling around the club, everyone is confident and there's a lot of trust that everyone is going to come out and play their role, week in week out."
He said the Tigers would be mindful of not emerging from the bye lethargic and complacent, with the Eagles yet to have their rest.
"There's always the danger of that but we're just keeping it simple and really focusing on the next session," he said.
"Right now I'm just worried about going out and training well and I'm sure everyone else is as well, and come game time we'll just focus on the first contest."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-06-16/tall-tiger-timber-to-fire
