Tigers inspired by ‘Hollywood Hawks’Jon Pierik
The Age
March 12, 2025Richmond midfielder Jack Ross says the Tigers want to emulate the “Hollywood Hawks”.
The Tigers open their 2025 campaign on Thursday night when they host Carlton at the MCG before what is expected to be a crowd of more than 80,000.
Under rookie coach Adem Yze, the Tigers finished at the foot of the ladder last year with just two wins, and a rebuild now in earnest has prompted many commentators to predict they will again finish last.
But Ross, an emerging midfielder/wingman whose 2024 season was ruined by a foot stress fracture, insists the Tigers have much to look forward to. This includes a raft of talented draftees, with three – Sam Lalor, Harry Cunningham and Luke Trainor – to step out against the Blues.
This bevy of talent, and a desire to emulate the process that led to the Hawks’ quick rebuild, and surge into the finals last season, has Ross looking forward to what awaits.
“I want to win. I want to get back to winning,” he said. “That’s what everyone who plays AFL wants – as a club we want to win. I am not going to shy away from that.
“It’s exciting. It can happen so quick. Even Hawthorn these past few years, they turned it around and have played such a fun brand to watch. We would love to think we can kind of replicate that and play some really fast, fun footy. If everyone is buying into the program, which is what we are doing, who knows what is going to happen.”
The Hawks returned to the finals for the first time in six seasons last year. The Tigers last made the finals in 2022.
Ross, 24, said midfielder Lalor, who has overcome a concussion and fractured jaw after an ugly incident against West Coast, was ready to impress.
“He has been awesome. All of the kids that have come in ask heaps of questions. They want to fast-track their learning, especially Sam, being a midfielder,” Ross said.
“He just wants to learn. He is a sponge. It’s a credit to him – with the jaw and surgery, he has rehabbed really well.”
Armstrong, said Ross, was a “big, strong full forward and really athletic for size”, while defender Trainor “was flexible with where he could play on tall and small”.
Ross was restricted to seven games last season because of a left foot stress fracture in his fifth metatarsal. While he returned late in the season, the former Oakleigh Chargers product has had to be mindful of potential flare-ups through summer.
“The foot feels good, touch wood,” Ross said. “It was one of those injuries – the fracture was in a really tricky spot. It takes a long time to heal, and once it does heal, it’s still a little bit angry
Ross, handed a two-year contract extension last year, and with 70 senior games to his credit, says he has taken a greater leadership role now many of the greats who carried the side to three premierships have left.
“Now, going into my seventh year, I feel like I have the confidence to back it up,” he said.
“I can lead for the younger guys, and hopefully, they can learn a thing or two. But I am also learning a hell of a lot off them. We have a lot of talent coming through.”
Ross said he enjoyed being a leader on game day, and ensuring “training standards” were met through the week.
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