Tigers assistant coach McQualter says Prestia and Caddy will fit in well (HS)

[one-eyed]

Richmond assistant coach Andrew McQualter says Dion Prestia and Josh Caddy will fit in well at the Tigers

Herald Sun
November 20, 2016 3:42pm

THERE is very much a Gold Coast Suns vibe at Richmond this off-season.

The Tigers added star midfielder Dion Prestia during the break while inaugural Suns player Josh Caddy has also crossed to the club.

Add assistant coach Andrew McQualter, who played for the Gold Coast in 2012, and it is somewhat of a reunion for the trio.

Having seen both Prestia and Caddy when they first entered the AFL system, McQualter was supremely confident they would be perfect fits at Tigerland.

“I spent a year on the Gold Coast in 2012 and Josh and Dion were both pretty young then,” McQualter told the club’s website.

“It seems like a lifetime ago now, but one of the things I remember most about both of them is just their work-rate.

“I remember, especially off the field, how hard they both worked.

“They’re good people. They’ve both proven over the last few years that they’re really capable AFL players, so I think they’ll be a great addition for us.”

Caddy was taken by the Suns with pick seven in the 2010 national draft while Prestia was selected with pick nine.

While Caddy left the club for Geelong after just two seasons, Prestia played 95 games on the Gold Coast.

The duo will give the Tigers some exciting midfield depth in 2017, working with the likes of Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin.

Speaking after his trade to the Tigers was official, Prestia said he was confident the group could play finals.

“They’ve played finals the last three years,” he said.

“This year was an off year I feel, but I definitely think finals are on the cards.

“Coming home was a big factor. Picking Richmond was probably (because of) their list, so being able to play with the likes of Martin, Cotchin in the midfield and also having the two Ellis boys (Corey and Brandon), and (Anthony) Miles in there as well.

“It was a really strong midfield and then there’s also some really strong players at either end.”

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-assistant-coach-andrew-mcqualter-says-dion-prestia-and-josh-caddy-will-fit-in-well-at-the-tigers/news-story/0429187cca8dff79d3fa63164c5643c9

[Shammo80]

have to laugh were he says playing in strong mid with Miles I think u have just taken his spot and Anthony will struggle to play regular games next season I feel

[Francois Jackson]

McQualter. Good to see him upgraded to afl level for that final missing peace of the puzzle,  given that he has done such a fine job at the lower level

[yandb]

have to laugh were he says playing in strong mid with Miles I think u have just taken his spot and Anthony will struggle to play regular games next season I feel

Provided that Prestia gets on the park. (dodgy knee still restricting him)