Rance, Tigers love playing for DimmaSAM EDMUND
Herald Sun
7 August 2016RICHMOND players have thrown their unanimous support behind Damien Hardwick in the wake of Friday night’s backs-to-the-wall win over Collingwood.
The embattled coach was mobbed by his players in jubilant scenes in the Tigers rooms after the pressure-releasing triumph.
Hardwick, the club’s board, playing list and recruiting and have all copped criticism in a failed campaign.
Best-afield defender Alex Rance pulled Hardwick aside after the game and said: “I just love playing for you.” Several of Rance’s teammates later echoed those sentiments.
Anthony Miles, Trent Cotchin and Brandon Ellis all declared their “love” for the Richmond coach.
“I think ‘Dimma’ has copped his fair whack. Every player loves Dimma and loves the way he coaches so there was a bit extra in tonight’s game,” Miles said after the final siren.
“Dimma has been a big advocate of what’s said inside our four walls is what we listen to. I think it was just a great reward for effort.
Alex Rance was outstanding for Richmond against Collingwood. Picture: Getty Images
“I suppose it effects players in different ways, but our leadership group led by Trent (Cotchin) and ‘Rancy’ (Alex Rance) has been fantastic in saying ‘Let’s worry about us’ and that we can’t control what’s being said.
“It doesn’t solve all our problems, but it was nice to have a win.”
Trent Cotchin said the emphatic celebrations on Friday night was proof Hardwick was universally admired within the playing group.
“The reality is we do have love for him. The entire playing group trusts, respects and knows that he is right man for us to take steps forward,” Cotchin told SEN.
Rance told 3AW: “I just said I love playing for you and that wasn’t just said on emotion. I’d say it 1000 times again.
Alex Rance and Damien Hardwick embrace after the Tigers’ win against Collingwood. Picture: Getty Images
“We’ve got a good leader in Trent and a fantastic leader in Dimma. They lead this family really, really well and we’re proud to play for them.”
Ellis said the players had rallied for Hardwick.
“We did this for Dimma. It doesn’t really phase him, he’s an awesome character ... but it was awesome to take the pressure off him,” Ellis said.
“You want to play well for him, you really respect him and you hate disappointing him. We love playing for Dimma.”
Ellis said he and his teammates were confident they had Collingwood covered.
“We knew we were a good chance. They’d only won one more game than us ... we think we’re a better side than them. It was just good to get the win shut a few people up,” he told ABC radio.
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