Tigers “wanted it more” on Grand Final day, admits LeverBy SEN
21 November 2017Former Adelaide defender Jake Lever has conceded Richmond simply “wanted it more” in the Grand Final.
The Tigers recorded a historic premiership with a 48-point victory over the Crows, the second-largest margin in a Grand Final since 2011. Richmond belted Adelaide in the contested possession category, amassing 30 more than their rivals, while entering inside 50 nine more times.
Immense forward pressure saw the Tigers have 18 tackles inside 50, compared to just nine for the Crows.
Lever, who had 15 disposals in the Grand Final, has opened up about the heavy defeat, believing their opponents played with more desire on the day.
“Richmond were cleaner, much more ferocious and it almost seemed like they wanted it more,” he told SEN Breakfast.
“I don’t think anything went to plan on Grand Final day.
“It was extremely disappointing. With the build up, the Adelaide footy club was playing so well for three-to-four weeks throughout that final series. Richmond was playing really well as well.
“Adelaide’s biggest asset is their rebound from defensive 50 and being able to turn defence into attack. Richmond didn’t allow us to do that and in the end it proved too much.
“Credit to Richmond, the game style they played and the pressure they put on was phenomenal.”
The 21-year-old also reckons teams will attempt to emulate the Tigers’ game style, which consisted of just one tall forward and was underpinned by forward pressure. Damien Hardwick’s philosophy of locking the footy in their front half was a key in their first flag since 1980.
Lever has since joined Melbourne, having his first training session with his new team yesterday. He plays Richmond again in Round 5, while meeting his old club Adelaide in Rounds 10 and 19.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2017/11/20/tigers-wanted-it-more-on-grand-final-day-admits-lever/
