Danny Frawley says only navel gazing can stop Richmond against Crows on Friday at the MCGRichard Earle,
The Advertiser
July 4, 2018 IT’S the toughest task in football. Richmond is virtually invincible at the MCG and former Tigers’ coach Danny Frawley says Adelaide’s only hope of a triumph on Friday night is over-complacency.
Top-ranked Richmond is superior to the unit that vanquished Adelaide for the 2017 flag, with over confidence a bigger threat than any rival this season says former Richmond coach Frawley.
“I don’t think it will happen but if there is any chink it’s probably if they’re looking at how good their form is,” Frawley told Advertiser.com.au. “They don’t need to worry about that, need to focus on the next contest, enjoy their footy, get the four points and move on.”
Adelaide must win at least five of its remaining eight games to make the finals.
Frawley said its mission should be tougher after Friday night’s MCG trip against Damien Hardwick’s champion.
“You have to understand that Richmond haven’t been beaten at the ’G for 16 games. It’s a great home ground advantage and Richmond at the MCG are just about unbeatable,” said Frawley with Richmond unconquered in over a year at headquarters. “For Adelaide to come over here playing at the ’G, they will have some unsavoury memories.
“Their season is on the brink and need to string a few together. If they beat the Tigers that could send a strong foundation for rest of the year.
“It is a big ask but Rory Laird coming back, Tex Walker hitting some form and Rory Sloane getting a game under his belt, they are building.
“They got some of their mojo back in the last quarter against West Coast.”
Adelaide boss Don Pyke faces another tactical showdown with the counterpart, Hardwick, who redefined his coaching by unshackling Richmond and putting the fun back in football.
“He is coaching well. Richmond are really 90 per cent focused on themselves and 10 on the opposition since they won it last year,” said Frawley.
Richmond’s speed and No.1 ranking for post-clearance pressure is what unravelled Adelaide last September and remains Pyke’s problem on Friday night.
“They have flipped coaching on its head. Other clubs spend a lot of time focusing on the opposition and Richmond focus on bringing the heat, move the ball quick and put a lot of pressure on the opposition,” said Fox-Footy expert commentator Frawley.
Frawley said Adelaide’s infamous pre-season camp was no excuse for its fall to 11th spot but injuries to Brodie Smith, Sloane, Mitch McGovern and Brad Crouch had impacted.
“Don Pyke and the coaches are smart enough to know that is not why their season is where it is,” said 1988 All-Australian defender Frawley.
“You can talk about what happened on that camp but the players are professional and will know a few are down on form.”
Dustin Martin isn’t as dominant as his Brownlow Medal year but draws attention that has allowed Shane Edwards and Kane Lambert to get off the chain.
“If you ask Hardwick he is doing a really good job, getting the best tag but it has released guys like Shane Edwards and Lambert who are playing really well,” said Frawley of Martin.
“Damien and the club were smart enough to know that one of the best year’s in AFL history was always going to be hard to emulate. His number still stack up to having a pretty good year.”
https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/teams/adelaide/danny-frawley-says-only-navel-gazing-can-stop-richmond-against-crows-on-friday-at-the-mcg/news-story/50f2a4b488408a4d5de59424986ce326
