Finals on Kellaway's agenda (afl site)

[one-eyed]

Finals on Kellaway's agenda
2:11:53 PM Tue 21 March, 2006
Matt Burgan
Exclusive to afl.com.au

Richmond defender Andrew Kellaway says finals are "definitely part of the agenda" at Tigerland this year, with the 2000 Jack Dyer Medallist believing that September is a realistic goal for the yellow and black.

Kellaway believes Richmond's rise up the ladder in 2006 will be based upon a "five or 10 per cent improvement from everyone across the board".

"Everyone wants to make the finals and I think we're a realistic chance to do that," Kellaway told afl.com.au.

"We're just trying to get a more consistent performance. We fell into a little bit of a hole last year and we played some really good games and then we'd drop off in other games and I think we're just trying to get that consistency of performance.

"When we do that, then we can certainly match it with the better teams and then if you do that, you're going to get your 12 or 13 wins that will hopefully get you in the finals."

On a personal level, Kellaway said he had undertaken a "pretty good" pre-season, adding that he was looking to back up on his impressive 2005 season in defence.

And now that he is one of the club's senior players, the 30-year-old said he was relishing his time his elder statesman role at the club.

"It happens pretty quickly and all of a sudden you're one of the older guys, but I definitely enjoy it and I try to pass on what I do know to some of the younger defenders," Kellaway said.

"We've got some great leaders at the club, so there is not always a whole lot to do, but you've always got to encourage and help along the young blokes."

Entering his ninth AFL senior season, Kellaway said he was determined to keep playing at the highest level for as long as possible.

"I probably haven't thought about it too much, but if the team's doing alright and I'm doing alright, then I could go on for another couple (of years), but it just depends on how I'm playing and how the team's going at the end of the year," Kellaway said.

http://richmondfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=252056

[mightytiges]

I know at this time of year we're pumping things up to attract members but i wish we wouldn't mention the "F" word and just let our footy do the talking.

On Chubba - had one if not his best year last year IMO as he added more rebounding to his game under Wallace. Our backline suffered after he copped that broken cheekbone against the Bombers and missed the next 6 matches. However he's going to have his work cut out from now on with Thursfield, Razor and Sarge all gunning for KPP/third tall defender spots.

[WilliamPowell]

I know at this time of year we're pumping things up to attract members but i wish we wouldn't mention the "F" word and just let our footy do the talking.

I don't think we are the only ones pumping up their chances. Every player in the comp (with the exception of the Carlton lot - good to see they now their place and purpose ) is saying they are aiming finals

On Chubba - had one if not his best year last year IMO as he added more rebounding to his game under Wallace. Our backline suffered after he copped that broken cheekbone against the Bombers and missed the next 6 matches. However he's going to have his work cut out from now on with Thursfield, Razor and Sarge all gunning for KPP/third tall defender spots.

I agree MT. I reckon that there is less pressure on him these days and as result he played better footy because of it. Althoughhaving siad that there were times when you just had to close your eyes when he was kicking

[mightytiges]

I don't think we are the only ones pumping up their chances. Every player in the comp (with the exception of the Carlton lot - good to see they now their place and purpose ) is saying they are aiming finals

No doubt every club does it each and every year but after only 2 Septembers  in 23 years I'd rather we just made the finals instead of talking in March about wanting to make them. We're a club with a modern history of not being able to back up on the park our talk .

I agree MT. I reckon that there is less pressure on him these days and as result he played better footy because of it. Althoughhaving siad that there were times when you just had to close your eyes when he was kicking

LOL .... His surname is Kellaway after all