Can Richmond emulate Justin Leppitsch’s Lions?West Australian
21 March 2018Triple premiership hero Justin Leppitsch sees similarities between the dominant Brisbane sides he played in at the turn of the century and the Richmond group he now presides over as an assistant coach.
Sceptics have questioned the Tigers’ ability to maintain their hunger this season after an emotional rollercoaster journey under Damien Hardwick culminated in last year’s drought-breaking flag.
But Leppitsch, a hard-nosed defender played in four straight grand finals with the Lions from 2001-2004, said there was no doubt Richmond had come back in the right frame of mind to achieve further success.
“I think there are (similarities) in the way the guys have come back hungry and happy and ready to keep going,” Leppitsch said.
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“That’s all you can do so far. The rest is the bounce of the ball and a bit of luck with injuries.”
Leppitsch said it was hard to manufacture motivation, but felt there was no need for Hardwick and his assistants to attempt to do so with their young and vibrant Richmond playing group.
“I don’t really think you can instil motivation in players. Ninety per cent of it has to come from within,” Leppitsch said.
“The coaches can do it here and there on the track and within games prod some motivation out of players, but you have to be motivated internally to succeed with anything you do in life.
“That’s just the way it has to be. I’ve seen those signs that players are keen to drive that again.
“They have to drive that motivation and it still seems to be there, which is really exciting.
“If gives the coaches something to work with and it gives us a group that you’re proud to coach because they’re coming with the energy.
“We can give them a bit of strategy on top of that to hopefully get them to succeed.”
Richmond begin their premiership defence against arch rivals Carlton at the MCG on Thursday night.
More than 90,000 fans are expected to be on hand as the Tigers unfurl a premiership flag for the first time in 37 years – and the first time in the AFL era.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/richmond-tigers/can-richmond-emulate-justin-leppitschs-lions-ng-b88781743z
